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YAPHANK AS IT IS, 



ANU 



WAS, AND WILL 15E. 



(•OXrAININ(i 

lM<»OUAPIIir.VI. SICKTCHES OF AM, ITS IMIOMINKVT MEN, THE 

I llAKAi'TEKlSTrc I'Korl.IV ITI ES OV IIS '' Fl N \ V " I'EOI'I.K, IIS 

P.ISINKSS AM) lUSINESS '' \I ( )\ A K< IIS,'' IIS KA«II.IT1ES 

Ki'lJ KNlEKI'ltlSK AM) 1 \l I'Ut )\ KM E.NI , AM) AN 

l\ll'Ai;'l lAl. DESi lai'TION UK THE AI)\ A N'lAi ; ES 

AM' DISAI>VAXTA(;ES enjoyed AM) 

SI FFEK'El) i:V ITS ( ITIZENS. 



TlII^: SUFFOLlv COUnV ALMS-llOLiSK AS IT IS. 



THIS \\()|:K rONTAI.VS THE .MOST ArTHENTir AND I'LEASI.Nd 

HISTOIIV OF THIS " MODKL " INSTITlTIoN 

15KFOUE THE PiriUJC. 



liY L. BEEUIIKU IIOMAN. V 




'• Every town iuid city in thi- riiitt-il Stntos sliould iiuluiu? its Dfst-inrorinod writers to put 
its aiiDiils into tin- |KTniniitMit sh!i;»o of a book, tliat its tvirly history may iicil be forgotten. 
Of these volumes of local interest ami value, tlierecamiot he too many."' —Xeiv Vork uercUii. 









Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1875, 

By L. Beecher Homan, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



John PoLHEMua, 

Printer, 

I(W Nassau St., Xew York. 



TO MY MOTHER, 
TlIK DEAREST K K 1 K N I) I HAVE ON KAHTH, 

if II f (Urate this ^Voth, 

THE CUI>MINATIOX OK HER KOSTEKING INCENTIVE, 
AND KtND, CHEERING WOKOS. 



INTRODUCTION. 



" To know your country to its farthest veins, 
Find out its heart ; there all its being tends/' 

I deem formality, or apology, not requisite as an em- 
Uellishment to the Introditction of a work that nutst 
prove of intrinsic value to all to take an interest in the 
local affairs of their country. 

'Jo V)ecome acquainted with the lives of men who have 
figured in conspicuous capacities, and whose names are 
familiar in coalition with the Local Institutions, Un- 
dertakings, Excitements and Affairs of their times, 
is an almost insatiaVde desire of some ; and to be familiar 
with the Reliable History of any town or village, and 
the peculiarities of the people, is an acquaintance as 
eagerly sought as it is laudable and beneficial. 

To gratify that commendable propensity, I have gath- 
ered and carefully compiled the Reliable Facts con- 
tained in this Miniature History, and look to the hearty 
appreciation of my reading friends, and the public, as a 
verification of its Genuine Worth. 



When first I took my pen to write, 
8tranije bodiuLTS whisjier'd "Fau.I" 
And grim i)r<»t>iiosties did unite 
To make my taint heart (|uail. 
I knew that rlu'toric were vain 
In lauding Old Yaimiank, 
And that success T must attain 
By writing bold and frank. 



Till TNTRODDCTION. 

I know the place of which I write, 

And know the people better ; 

Of ev'ry sentence — wrong or right — 

I am the sole begetter, 

I've tried the simple facts to write, 

Impartially and true ; 

And ev'ry thing that tends to blight. 

Did faithfully eschew. 

But if mistakes I do recoi-d — 

For writers sometimes will — 

I hope my Friends will not accord 

And blame an erring quill ; 

P\ir I am stire my heart icofi right, 

And that no bias did 

Encourage me to falsely write 

What JusTKJE would forbid. 

If 1 to please the Tinker wi'ite. 

And not the Tailor, too, 

I may be term'd a flatt'ring wight, 

As "penning" Devils through. 

In this fast age of Great P^vents, 

The wonders we expect ; 

And one will be " My C'ompliments " 

From those I least respect — 

If Fortune ever smiles as sweet 

Upon my luckless head. 

Or fills my heart with joy replete 

O'er things I've never said. 

L. B H. 



ILLUSTHATIONR. 



" \'<nKs, Titri.Y," 

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rON^l'KNTS OF PAfJT FfT^ST. 
I. 

YaI'IIANK as 11 IS. PAGE. 

A (Tciioral IJcvii'w, J 1 

Tlu' Land of liocal I'l'iiiiy-a-lincis, ami Kdcii dI (ii»«.i|(^ ■_':.> 

As it is and was, ......... 'J4 

II. 

lis IWsiVKSS. 

111. 

^^\l•llA^K AS n IS. — .VmiKKviAi i;i> Sk i;rc hks ok 1'i!<)\iin kni 

VaI'HA.NKKKS. 

.lOlIX IMIILI.Il'S .MILLS. 

His SlyK- of liusiiu'ss, ....... Ho 

IVrsoual, .......... 31 

Mis Charity, .HI 

IV. 

KoiiKirr HAWKINS (;ki;.\i:i). 

In a Manurai'turiiiif Caiiarilv, ...... .\'2 

Personal, .......... 33 

His Early Life, 

\'. 

WILLIAM .1. WEEKS. 

Personal, .......... 37 

Ilis Business, ...... 3!> 

Public and Private, ....... 46 

VL 
DANIEL DOWNS SWEEZY. 

Personal, .......... -17 

His Business, ......... 48 

In the Family, ......... 4S 



Xll CONTENTS. 

VII. 1>A(4E. 

EDWARD WICKHAM MILLS. 

His Youthful Enterprise, ....... 51 

His Sensible View of Business, ..... 62 

Popular with all, ......... 52 

Personal, .......... 53 

VIIL 
ALFRED ACKERLY. 

Ilis Business, ........ 65 

In the Church, ......... 56 

IX. 
SAMUEL F. NORTON. 

As a Neighbor and Friend, . . . . . . 5 7 

In the Church, ........ 57 

At Hotiic, .......... 58 

X. 

.JOHN HAMMOND. 

Personal, .......... 69 

At Home, in the Church, and Abioad, .... (30 

xr. 

SAAHIEL LESTER HOMAN. 
IVrsonal, 62 

XIL 
SERENO BURNELL OVERTON. 

Kmbnrks upon a Mercantile Sea, ... .68 

Personal — The True Man, ...... 69 

XHI. 

EDWARD LIVINGSTON GEPvARD. 

Personal, .......... 73-74 

A Review, ......... 75 

His Accomplishments, ........ 

XIV. 
SAMUEL SMITH. 

Public and Private, . . . . . . . . 77 

His Insanity, ......... 78 

His Horrible End, 18 



CONTENTS. Xiii 

XV. PACK. 

KD\VAI{D llo.M.W. 

As ;i \('i<xlil>()f and Frii-ini, ....... 80 

I'ublic and I'livatc. ...... s] 

XVI. 
I)o<\ .TA.MES I. liAKEK. 

Personal, .......... S2 

His Karly I.if'i-, m 

Trials and 'rrimiiplis, ........ s;{ 

A Xoiglilxn-, h'liend, and Karnu'r, ..... s4 

XVII. 
.M()i:i)K( .\I IIO.MAN. 

Off lor tlu' Mines, ,q6-H7 

Adventures in California, ...... s7 

Success and Failure, ........ 87-88 

On the Sea and Land, . 88-89 

XVIII. 
KDWARD HENRV S. IIOLDEN, M. 1). 

His Moral and ScU-ntific- Worth, 93 

His Reconuncndation, ..... 9;{-04 

A Review, .......... 94 

XIX. 
NATHANIEL TFTHILL. 

Mr. Tuthill's Business, 98-101 

His Benevolence, ........ 102 

Alexander Smith, 102-3 

XX. 
AUGUSTUS FLOYD. 

The Descendant of a Nohle Family, . .104 

His Personal A])pearance, . 104 

His Eccentrii- and Rdired Life, ...... 10.") 

A Brief Sketch, 10(5 

XXI. 
GEOR(4E FRANKLIN THOMPSON. 

Ilis C^ualitications as a Business Man, ..... I'lO 

A Word to the (^entle Ones, 110 

His Decided Step, 110 



XIV CONTKXT^. 

XXII. I'.VUE. 

ALFRED REID, Sr. 

All Orphan's Struggle, . . . . . .112 

Being in Business, . . . . . . . . 113 

A Financial Crash, '.113 

Personal, . . . . . . . . . . 114 

XXIII. 

JAMES HUGGINS WEEKS. 

His Early History, . . . . . • . .117 

As a Railrt)Hd Man, . . . . . . . lis 

Personal, 118 

XXIV. 
Hox. WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH. 

As a Military Tactician, . . . . . . .122 

F'rom the Drawing-room Across the Wilih'niess. . . 123 

As ;i Public M;ui, 123 

Personal, . . . : 124 

XX \ 
SIDNEY H. HITCH. . 

Station Ishmd — William (Turney, .... 120-3O 

Fall of Savannah — Alu-aham Lincoln's Death, . . 135 

Personal, 136 



contp:nts of part second. 
I. 

^'ai'iiank As Ii Was. — Contaimm; IIkxujaimikai. Skkk ni:s oi- 
iiiK .Mkn iiiai i>n< k wkkk I*ki>mim;n t. 

h:S(,)ril{K M()1{I)K('A1 IIO.M.VX. PA.;..;. 

His Small iM'Miiiiiinu: :iii<l I'^iiial Achicvciiiciits, \'A<) 

THOMAS IIO.MAN. 
His Characteristics HI 

II. 
DKA. SIMMONS F,.\\VS. 143 

KKMlAill) HAWKINS. \\i 

HI. 
.ION AH H.WVKIXS. 

His Earthly Labors U") 

liiicK' .lonalTs .Vnterinr Position, ..... 146 

JONAS r.rCKIXCH.X.M. Nt; 

IV. 

MOIJDECAI OVERTOX. 

A Numerous Family, . . .147 

DANIEL HAMMOND. 

The Social Custom of his Day, ..... 148 

V. 
ESQUIRE WILLIAM PHILLIPS. 

A Review, 150 

The Old Squire's Peculiarities, . . . . . 150 

DANIEL IIOMAN. 151 

VI. 

ISAAC MILLS. 

His Death, . 15'J 



XVI CONTENTS. 

APPOLLAS MILLS. pa(ie. 

His Illustrious Wife, . . 154 

The True Man, . 155 

VII. 
DANIEL B. 8WEEZEY. 156 

VIII. 
ROBERT H. HAWKINS, Jujf. 

His First Struggle, . . 159 

A Tribute to His Memory, 159-61 



CONTENTS OF PART THIRD. 

I. 

The FAiLiN(iS of the People, 
Gossiping, .......... 165 

Covetousness, ......... 167 

Rushing Enterprise, . . . . . . . .167 

II. 

The Beneficence of Yaphankers. 169 

in. 

MouAi, AVI) Immoral Yaphank. 171 

IV. 

Yaphank as it Was. 

What comprised Yaphank in 1800, ..... 174 

Yaphank Mills, and ilieir History, . . . . . 176 

The Old Grants, 177 

Why Yaphank was not a ('it)% . . . . . 178 

V. 

()i!R DiMixuTivK Yale. 

The Yaphank District School, and its History, . . .180 

The Sc]i()()l-houso — Past and Present, .... 181 

VL 

Vai'uank Cemetery Associatiox. 

Make my Grave in the Wildwood, 184 

Why are our Dead Promiscuously Buried ? . . . 184 

An Absolute Requirement, ....... 185 



roxTENTS. xvn 

VII. PAftF. 
TE>rPERANfE IN ^'AI•|IA^K. 

Thp Noble C'auHP and its SuKtaine^^s. ... I B6 

A Brief Sketch, Ift8 

VIII. 
OtTR RELiiiioi's Homes., 

The Centres of Christianity in Yaphank, 101 

The Yaphank Presbyterian ('hnrch, I '.>2 

The Clergymen of the (■hurch, .10-'^ 

Francis Drake, ......... 1 9.S 

Charles Sturges, . . 1 9r! 

('lark Loekwoofl, ....... K'4 

St. .\m)RF,w's CHtRrH. 

The Bishop's .Address. 1 O.s 

A C'ontrasi To-day 19)= 

IX. 

Hkv. IxfiRAM X. AV. Irvine. 

Flis Early Struggles and Colleginte .\rhievement8. 203 

Personal, .......... 204 

X. 

Suffolk County Ai.ms-House. 
A Model Home for the Poor, ...... 207 

The Farm, 208 

The Home, 209 

The Main Building, . . 209 

Division of Sexes, . . .210 

The Attending Physician, 210 

William .1. Weeks, ... . 212 

Edward L. (4erard, 21- 

Doct. E. H. S. Ilolden, .213 



Pnrt Fii'st 



f ONTVrMN*; 



A (^KNKKAI. f)K^(i:iPTl()N <)F YAPTIAXK 

AM) UKX.KAIMIICAI. BKKTCHKS OK 

ITS PROM IN K.N '1' (ITIZKNS. 



PAK1^' FIRST. 



YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

A GENERAL REVIEW— THE LAND OF LOCAL PENNY-A-LINERS. 

AND EDEN OF GOSSIP — AS IT IS, AND WAS, AND WILL BE ! 

A GENERAL REVIEW. 

Much has been said, and mucli written, about tlie listless 
mode of busines, and the quiescent enterprise of much- 
abused Yaphankers. 

Among the many facts I am privileged to present in this 
little effort, an endorsement of all those reports may be 
credited. 

When I began writing this record of local affairs, I was 
kindly informed by literary friends and advocates, that my 
future "inky " success would be sadly marred if I matured 
these my fool-hardy determinations : To publish, or chron- 
icle the most interesting events that ultimately transpired 
since 1800 ; and to publish a complete, reliable, and read- 
able history of this oasis in the wilderness of " local edit- 
ors '' and "county paupers,'' since that "dark age.'' "To 
err is human." 

If I too highly embellish my illustrations regarding one 
peculiar class and their innate failings, please consider 
them the bloated apparitions of a clouded imagination, and 
not the base intentions of a prejudiced mind. As I have 
seen, thus have I written. I have faithfully sketched from 
original subjects, and conceitedly assert a correct transfor 
mation. 



22 YAPITANK AS IT IS. 

Another idea prompted me to complete my undertaking-, 
although more dormant and not so piiilanthropical as my 
first. It was tlie natural one of pecuniary advancement — 
one of peculiar interest to me. 

Some, also, declare that I have built upon a diminutive 
foundation, and failure is inevitable. Well, failure, and 
not success, is the general law of life ; and if 1 o-ain the 
former I must content myself with the majority, if I accom- 
plish the latter I certainly shall rejoice with the minority. 

Yaphank is the Indian name of a creek and neck of land 
on the south side of the town, at South Haven ; and tiie 
line running north from the head of Yaphank Creek is 
called Yaphank Line. Yaphank Neck is between that line 
and the Connecticut River, and consequentl}' does not in- 
clude Yaphank Station ; but the name properly belongs to 
the Neck west of Carman's Mills. 

The name Yaphank was suggested by William J. Weeks, 
about the year 1845, when application was made to the 
P. O. Department to establish a post-office in this place ; 
the former name, Millville. being objectionable for that 
purpose, as there were already thirteen of that name in the 
United States, and one being in the State of New York. 
The name Yaphank was familiar here, as applied to a 
boundary line passing through the eastern })art of the 
village. The appellation is unique foi- the purpose, for the 
place, for the people. 

The district boundaiies are more regular than any in the 
town — being nearly square — and are two miles and five- 
eighths from the north to the south boundary, and two and 
three-eighths from east to west. The district contains 6^ 
square miles, one-quarter of which is under excellent culti- 
vation. 

PENNY-A-LINERS AND GOSSIPPEKS. 

Arm-in-arm we meet this debri.s of society. One acts, and 
the other reports. As the Long Island Leader recently re- 
ported, Yaphank is truly made unenviably famous by its 



VMMIANK AS IT IS. 28 

''army of local reporters/' All events, from a hhw door 
knob to a claiii-baki-. an- ilul\ reported to <jur country 
periodicals by these "'maslH-rs" of the quill. 

No one escapt'S. People fear to deviate from tlie beaten 
routine, for fear their names will " oret in tlie papers'' un- 
der some honible heading. Thus many are com])eiled t<> 
curl) their chafing enterjirise, at the risk of serious individ- 
ual damage — for instance, an explosion ; and poor, fretting 
Yaphank must lie dormant because we support a standing 
army of ! VVliy, one of our most modest male inhab- 
itants purchased an elegant pair of pants, recently, and he 
was struggling to "try them on,'' to ascertain the "fit,"' 
when some unfortunate misha]) caused a fearful rent in the — 
the — , and the poor fellow dared not patch them for fear it 
would get in '' the papers — " the patch I refer to. 

The great bustling world or the busy little city would 
not halt to criticise a man's misfortune or a woman's 
success. 

Business directs their attention towards objects more 
beneficial to mankind. 

Life is more infoinial in the village. 

There every man knows, or wishes to know, every man's 
business. 

A new picket-fence, a rei)aired chimney, Mr. So-and-So's 
" beautiful addition to his house," combine to form the 
general digest of weekly instalments to our country papers, 
as the flavored literature of the village. 

It has always been questionable with me whether or not 
the reading public cares if an unknown rustic has "painted 
his fence," or ''is going to paint his cow-shed," and 
whether such information will prove interesting. It is 
generally believed that country editors publish such chaff 
from scarcity of interesting news. 

Is there not a pleasing equivalent to this local swash { 
Yes. Encourage the compilation of home facts possessing 
historical interest, and welcome only such to the centre- 



24 TAPHANK Af* IT IS. 

table. If it be not as "fresh," the "hash" will certainly 
be more palatable for being condensed. 

FIGURES AND FACTS, 

To descend from the realms of poesy into the world of 
fact, Yaphank is a scattered settlement, with clusters of 
pretty cottaoes at almost regular intervals. 

Lt has a tine avenue, which connects it with the villages of 
the east and south side. 

The population, within the Post-office district, numbers 
about eight hundred souls. 

While such is its condition physically. Nature's fair 
handiwoi'k has been sadly marred by individual neglect and 
quiescence. 

The record of Yaphank is a record of one-sided prosper- 
ity and aggrandisement. 

The prominent citizens are " characters" in tlie drama of 
our village life, which I have endeavored to portray in 
this book. 



II. 

ITS BUSINESS. 

The occupation of tlip people is as varied as their tastes 
and characters. The primitive occupation was "tilling the 
soil;" but simultaneous witli every limited "rush" of 
emigration, ()tli«*r oriuinal and necessary branches of trade 
followed. Now, in consummation, we present the following 
''remarkable ' ' directory of business : 

1 Dry- goods and Hardware 2 Medical Offices. 
. Store, including the Post 1 Shoe Shop. 

office. 1 Lumber Yard. 

2 (.xrist Mills. 2 Wheelwright Shops. 
2 Lumber Mills. 1 Meat Mtirket. 

2 Blacksmith Shops. 1 Veterinary Establishment. 

1 Printing Office. 1 Dressmaking Establish- 
1 Upholstering Shop. ment. 

1 Express and Stage Line. 

A few years ago the people supported a factory, two 
stores, and three churches. The factory has long been 
closed, one store now forms the mercantile centre, and the 
Christian element support but two churches. The Baptist 
is ImTnersed . 

Why should not Vaphank be a city { It certainly has 
advantages that no other village in Brookliaven Town en- 
joys. Its railway communications are excellent. Its water 
facilities are unquestioiiablv good for manufacturing pur- 
poses, and could easily, and without much artiticial labor, or 
an enormous outlay, be made to supply sufficient power for 
half a dozen factories of different kinds, and not hinder the 
operations of the other mills in the least. Scientific men 



26 YAPHANK AS IT Irt. 

assure me, and others of much experience in such matters 
declare, that such could be easily, cheaply, and successfully 
done : and that it would certainly prove remunerative. 
Labor is cheap here ; living is cheap ; and why can't as 
good a market be obtained for articles that may be manu- 
factured in Yaphank as are supplied by a Lowell or a Lynn ? 

But no one can awaken Yaphankers or induce them into 
a new enterprise, however promising the inducements ! They 
are aware that mill-owners make money here, and are the 
(Hily class of men in Yaphank, with a few exceptions, who 
do. They know that labor is cheap, tliat transportation can 
be made cheap, and that all the facilities are convenient. 
They also know that they can invest in banking, railway 
and other enterprises elsewhere, and draw their semi-annual 
interest without the exertion an enterprise in Yaphank 
would require. But I wonder if they have lost money 
enough in foreign enterprises to convince them that it is not 
all success out of Yapliank ? The city banks fail, the rail- 
roads pass into the hands of Receivers, curb-stone dabblers 
grow fat over their false ideas of business economy, and 
hundreds of dollars are lost here and thousands there ; still 
our moneyed men will gather and invest their all in city in- 
stitutions, double themselves up into a religious, philan- 
thropical ball, wonder why Yaphank is so 'dormant" and 
•' far behind the times/' and scorn upon the shadow of any 
home undertaking, and discourage and abuse the unfor- 
tunate wretch that may mention one. Such is Yaphank to- 
day ! 

We never expect Yaphank to make a movement ! But 
why discourage strangers who see our great advantages 
and wish to improve them '{ Why entertain the conviction 
that because such a movement z«a.9 never successfully es- 
tablished that it nener loill be f For, friends, I dream vay- 
self, at no very distant day, stopping wondering uichins 
upon the paved thoroughfares of Yaphank, and telling them 
of the days when J. P. Mills' store was the great commer- 
cial attraction, and John Hammond's shoe-shop, the mighty 
repository of boot-jacks and local news. 



VAIMIANK AS IT IS. 27 

Instead of two hundred dwHllino;-honses and eight hun- 
dred ])e()ple to occuj)}' tlieni, w*^ want one tliousand neat, 
comfortable cotta^fes, and livf thousand peoph*. We want 
ten times the nunil)»^r of ))usint'ss institutions, and smart, 
energHti(' peoph' to sn|)port tlicni. 

We needn't bpgin building chniches for many years yet I 
Give o|ie of the two already built three or four good resur- 
rections, a big ])oke with the stick of enterprise, a little 
doctoring with generous medicine, and the "bread of life" 
will be bioken by many nioir members, and by a happier 
and more (/hristian peo))le. 

Give the other a little support, cheering words, and shove 
it into the stream — it vvill float I 

You men who own land adaptable for building lots, offer 
it for sale at reasonable piices — prices within the means of 
the laboring classes who wish to settle here. Because 
neighbor A lives only for himself and family, don't you 
imitate his actions. Open your heart and ears a little to 
the benelit of others. You will live happier, die happier, 
and your many friends will keep the laurels of your useful 
life ever blooming in tlieir memories. 

Draw ten per cent, of the money invested elsewhere, 
expend it in supporting and establishing home institutions 
and ent<^i'])rises, give a cheering word now and then to 
struggling neighbors, grant strangers a cordial welcome, 
smilingly tell them of the great advantages long lain unap- 
preciated and una i)])r()priated, and explain and emphasize 
the baseness and disloyalty of those who consider it a duty 
to "run down" and falsely represent their own villages, 
towns oi- cities. Do these things — do them well and pa- 
tiently — and the village will soon make the town, and the 
town the busy little city. 

Don't listen to the prejudiced, out-of-date old stumbling- 
stones who will ever keep up a wicked sneering, and a 
sombrous "you can't do it I" They are the rocks in the 
channel to enterprise ; a good chart and steady nerves will 



28 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

safely pass them ; and they never amount to much, in the 
channel or out ! 

The specific and infallible remedy for the immediate 
relief of a sickly village is to talk it up ! cheer it up ! and 
it will soon build itself up ! Keep talking, don't lay on the 
oars, and it will stay up ! 

MY STARTLING REVERIE. 

I. 

Ah, " Old Yaphank !" land of my birth, 

My young heart yearns for thee ! 
Few in the great world know thy worth, 

And what thou yet wilt be ; 
When we thy rustic life transform — 

Thy car of progress move, 
Thy money'd men will then reform. 

And smilingly approve. 

II. 

Then haste the days — the palmy days — 

And welcome noise and din, 
When enterprise shall trill her lays — 

When good times shall begin. 
Then, cheer up, friends ; we must allow 

We'll see what we will see. 
And greet the change from what is now. 

And what it yet will be ! 

III. 

Though in the coldness now we wade 

That chills our social love, 
'Twill change when our rich men have laid 

Their treasures up above ; 
> When checks and bank-books are pass'd in, 

And balanced every one. 
We'll greet the welcome noise and din — 

The change we knew would come ! 



YAPHANK AS IT I>. 29 

rv. 



But oh I how sweet will be the thought- 
When cold blows Winter's Htorm — 

To know their hoarded gold has bought 
Them quarters nice and warm ! 

Methinkw up* there they all will hie 
To found a local bank ; 

Supported, run and chart er'd by 

The KICII MKN OK YaI'HANK I 

V. 

There are exceptions to the rules — 

God bless the Fates for it ! 
And we have men — not Mammon's tools- 

Trxie men, we must admit I 
But those who do the most in prayer, 

Have records black or blank : 
And the Dives here, I do declare, 

Are the rich men of Yapiiank ! 



*Down. 



III. 

YAPHANK AS IT IS. 
ABBREVIATED SKETCHES OF PROMINENT YAPHANKERS. 

JOHN PHILLIPS MILLS. 

HIS STYLE OF BUSINESS — PERSONAL— HIS CHARITY. 

Mr. Mills is a shrewd, successful business man ; a model 
husband and father. He clings with unwavering tenacity 
to the interests of his advocates and friends ; but is austere 
and unrelenting toward the unfortunates who may fail in 
acquiescing with his views and ideas. As a politician — as 
a financier — he has been remarkably successful. 

His anterior experience and education have proved a pre- 
cise counsellor in all his speculations, and have brought 
him successfully out of all his business labyrinths and un- 
dertakings. 

HIS STYLE OF BUSINESS. 

He is very exact in keeping his contracts ; is generally 
prompt in his engagements, and requires the same punctu- 
ality of others. With his employees he is sharp and pre- 
cise, and is very ''driving" in his mode of business. He 
is generally regarded as " stern" within his business circle. 
If his disposition drew him thither, he would make a 
"noise" in Wall street, at the "Stock Board," or as a 
railroad operator. He would be successful as a banker, 
broker, or at any occupation he might choose. He pos- 
sesses shrewdness, tact, energy and brains. Mr. Mills' 
prominent characteristic tendency is his innate determina- 
tion to serve those to whom he is attached, at any inconve- 
nience or cost. 



YAPHANK AS IT 18. 31 

PERSONAL. 

In society he is affable, complaisant and interesting ; an 
excellent conversationist ; ever ready with approY)riate an- 
ecdotes, and brief, ludicrous squibs. 

He is about fifty-five years af a^^e ; and the cares and 
changes of a business life have dealt gently with him. He 
appears not over forty ; has dark hair and beard, a well- 
knit and dereloped physique. 

HIS CHARITY. 

John Phillips Mills might tread as firmly on 'Change 
as a Gould or Vanderbilt, and possess a limited portion of 
their enterprising propensities ; but he certainly possesses 
none of the charitable proclivities that immortalized the 
names of Peabody and Drew. 

Mr. Mills is not benevolently inclined — at least not 
in Yaphank. His philanthropical prodigalities are not 
extraordinary — rather miniature ! 

I have yet to learn that he ever claimed much generous 
distinction, and as he does not appropriate that which is 
not virtually his, we may credit it as a redeeming feature, 
compared with the "features" of most public paragons. 

In early life he "tilled the soil," laboring upon his 
father's farm during the Summer months, and teaching the 
district ideas how to shoot, in Winter. 

He has bowed before Hymen's shrine three successive 
times, and wept over the graves of two wives. He lias but 
one heir to inherit the fruits of his invincible will and en- 
terprise. He is reputed to be worth from one hundred to 
three hundred thousand. 



TV. 
ROBERT HAWKINS GERARD. 

TN A MANUFACTURING CAPACITY— PERSONAL -HIS EARLY 

LIFE. 

There will always be a niche in the history of Yaphank's 
benevolent, Christian men, for Hawkins Gerard. It m'ay 
truly be said of him that he has taught many to do good, 
but not one to sin. Ever the same unostentatious, energetic 
man, he has pushed steadily forward, and rolled up an 
ample fortune — a deserved recompense for perseverance 
and exclusive attention to business. His life has been ex- 
emplary. A fitting guiding star for all young men to keep 
in view. 

IN A MANUFACTURING CAPACITY. 

Coalesced in partnership with William Sidney Smith, 
Mr. Gerard established a woolen factory in combination 
with his milling business. A crisis in financial circles, and 
the abdication of Robert Russell, the manager, caused a 
suspension. 

Prelusory movements have since originated to remodel it 
into a cotton factory, and why the project never matured 
the originators solely know. 

It would, certainly, embellish the physical condition of 
the village, benefit its inhabitants, and prove a remunera- 
tion worthy its establishment. 

In the rooms, whose walls should ring with the enlivening 
din of trade, and a cheerful array of contented laborers be 
seen, are piled hundreds of feet of lumber, and grim silence 
reigns supreme within its empty corridors. 



YAIMIANK AS IT IS. 33 

111 adflitioii to liis otlicr hiisiiH-ss. Mr. (Terard lias a lart;(- 
1 u III IxT yard. It was a necessity lon^- unsiijtplicd until In-* 
founded tlip indisppiisable eonveniencr. 

Ills KAIII.V I.I IK. 

Hawkins CTriard was Ixnii in Fiiv l*la<'f. Hiooklnu »ii. 
lie wooed and won tlir hand of Miss Fanny Hawkins. :t 
daughter of a rdlow-tou nsintin. Ilcv. Niitlmnifl Hawkins. 
It is certain he li:is ikmit luid caiisi' t<t n-oit't tin' choici- of 
his life's coiiipanion. 

Wliile yet iniiiiatuiv in yrais he canie to live with his 
uncle, R()l>ert Hawkins, in Va])haiik, and in the old red 
mill — a ininiatiiie struct uiv— he mastered the trade that 
has since proved a [nrtiiiie. 

The original mill possessed less than one-third ca])acity 
of the present, aiul soon after Mr. (.Terard became possessor 
it was torn down, and a much larger one l)uilt ii])on the old 
site. 

I'KKSONAL. 

Mr. (Tcrard is warm-hearted, genial, and noble-spirited. 
He is popular with our citizens generally ; with all classes, 
and all sects. Sociable in his friendship, he is regarded as 
a fast and true friend. 

In 3ears, he has reached the ap«*x of man's allotted so- 
journ on earth ; and the iron hand of time is falling with 
withering effect as he advances in years. 

In person, he is thick-set and stocky. In his years of 
prime he was powerful, with great enduring powers. He 
has a pleasant phiz. A perfect model of the " Old School.'' 

Ever considerate in his public and private life, he has 
gathered never-fading laurels upon the mantle of a well- 
spent career. 



V. 
WlI.l.lAxM JONES WEEKS. 

AXECDOTE OF THK (»LI) SCFIOOL-HOUSE — ORTHOGRAPHY — 
ENGLISH GliAM.MAK — WALK TO BOSTON — FIRST BOAT — 
NATURAL HISTORY — SUPERINTENDENT OF COMMON 
SCHOOLS — MANAGEMENT OF BEES — HEXAGONAL CELLS — 
DIVISION LINE — GREAT FIRE— CRANBERRY CULTURE — 
TREASURER — COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF THE POOR — 
HIS TEMPERANCE PRINCIPLES — A SUBSTITUTE FOR TO- 
BACCO — PERSONAL. 

The subject of this sketch was born in tlie village of 
Oyster Bay, in the year 1821, and came, with his parents, 
in tlie Spring of 1828, to reside in Yaphank. From that 
date to the year 188:5 he had such opportunities for educa- 
tion as the neighborhood afforded ; which were cliietiy at 
tlie district school- house. 

The course of studies there pursued was not very exten- 
sive, nor were the text-books at that day of the most pleavS- 
ing and instructive kind. He relates the following 

ANECDOTE OF THE OLD SCHOOL-HOUSE : 

" Philosophy was not a part of the course of study, yet an 
amusing incident occurred one Winter morning, which gave 
the pupils an inkling of that science. 

The night previous had been sufficiently cold to freeze the 
ink in various ink-stands ; in one, especially, made of lead, 
it was about solid, and the wooden stopple was frozen 
fast. 



38 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

The owner placed it on the hearth, in front of the blazing 
fire, to tliaw, and occasionally tuined it, in order that every 
side might feel tlie heat, little dreaming that lie was thereby 
evoking the latent power of steam ; when suddenly, with 
a loud leport, out flew the stopple, accompanied by nearly 
the entire fluid contents, which projected upward in a di- 
verging column, and put in deej) mourning a considerable 
space of the ceiling overhead. This lesson was neither re- 
peated nor forgotten." 

The district school — notwithstanding its disadvantages 
and discomforts — was beneficial ; he thinks that he there 
acquired an excellent knowledge of 

OKTIIOGKAPHY. 

One of the teachers, to excite the emulation of the spell- 
ing-class, adopted the plan of giving, daily, to the one 
who stood at the head of the class, a written certiticate, tes- 
tifying to that fa<;t. These varied slightly in form, as his 
fancy dictated. 

Young AVeeks was the recipient of many of these honors, 
a package of which he still letains. One of them reads as 
follows : 

" TAKK NOTICE ! 

William J. Weeks is at the head of his class ; he has 
not missed a word for a considerable length of time ; he 
therefore stands this day at the head of his claws. 

Brookhaven, Jan. 7th, 1882. 

J. OsBORisr, Teacher." 

On one occasion the teacher was seized with a poetic 
frenzy, and indited the following: 

" William J. Weekts, Iiis mind has fixt 
For the reception of orthography ; 
He also uood improvement makes 
In aiithinotic and geogrjipliy." 



YAPHANK AS IT IS. 39 

In the Spring of 18:}:}, when but thirteen years oM, he 
was sent to Soutliamptoii to attend tlie academy. Here lie 
was first introduced to the study of 

ENGLISH (iltAMMAU. 

Tills subject was botli novel and abstiuse to him. He 
had been pursuing' it a few w(M'ks, when one day he went 

with I lie class to recite to Peter H , the assistant teaclier, 

who presided in the up])er room of the academy. ;nid 
in his turn, was directed to parse a word. The word and 
the sentence are totally lost in oblivion ; but he is under 
tlie im])iession that he must have handl<;d the parts of 
speech in a most extraordinary manner, for he had no 
sooner completed his — supposed — task, than Peter, who 
sat with his chair tilted back, and his heels balanced upon 
the table, turned upon him a severe look, and said : "Sir. did 
you mean to insult me ?" No explanation was vouchsafed; 
and while Peter's instruction in grammar made no ini])ifs- 
sion, that remark immortalized him. 

After spending a year at St)uthampton, he puisufd his 
studies for the next four years, successively, at the acade- 
mies of Bellport and Miller's Place. These institutions 
were then in the zenith of their prosperity. 

When he was about seventeen years of age, he remained 
at home for a year and a half, engaged in the labors of the 
farm and garden. He was at this time a 

PRACTICAL SUIiVEYOK, 

and was occasionally employed in running lines and mc^as- 
uring land. 

Having decided to enter college, he returned to Miller s 
Place in 18:^9-40, to complete his j)re]>aiatioii. He ])assed 
his examination, and entered the Freshman class of Yale 
College, in 1840. He conii»leted the four years' course, and 
was graduated with honor, in 1844. 

During his college course, believing that a sound mind 
could best be maintained by a sound body, he was careful. 



40 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

by daily exercise, to retain his physical health. Tliis was 
easy, from his naturally active disposition. At that time 
the college was destitute of a gymnasium, and the students 
were left to provide for tliemselves the means of exercise. 
Tliese were chietly foot-ball, wicket and walking ; in all of 
wliicli he took an active part. In January, 1842, wns the 
ordinary AVinter vacation of two weeks. Instead of a visit 
liome, lie determined to 

WALK T(» i;<)ST()N. 

The distance from New Haven was more than 140 miles. 
There was a considerable depth of snow. He set out with 
a single companion. Before reaching Hartford, his com- 
panion became discouraged, and abandoned the undertak- 
ing. Tlience he continued the journc^y alone. After several 
days of steady walking, he reached his destination ; saw 
Boston, Charlestown, Bunker Hill Monument, &c. He re- 
turned b}^ the way of Providence, accomplishing, on the 
last day's walk, thirty-hve miles, in nine hours including 
a halt of twenty minutes. He was somewliat impeded by 
his valise, and its contents of twelve pcmnds. 

In the Spring of 1843, he conceived the idea of introduc- 
ing the exercise of rowing among the students. He, there- 
fore, purchased in New York a Whitehall boat, nineteen 
feet long, and took it with him on his return to New Haven. 
He induced six ol' liis class-mates to join him in forming a 
boat club. 

This was the 

FIRST BOAT 

owned by students of Yale College, and was the origin of 
the Yale Navy. 

The boat was named the " Pioneer," and its crew the 
" Pioneers." 

Many short and pleasant excursions were made in it about 
the liarbor and adjacent waters. One morning, in the Sum- 
mer of 1844, he, with four of the crew, rowed across the 



YAPIIANK AS IT IS. 41 

Souiul to Long Island, aii<l retuiiifd in tlir sanif way, tlif 
next morning. 

At this time, after thirty-one years of the changes and 
chances of human life, the entire seven forming the crew of 
"Pioneers," are still living. Mr. Weeks early imbibed a 
taste for 

NATURAL llISTOliV, 

and was ever interested in reading anything relating to the 
subject of animated nature. Subsequently, having received 
some instruction in taxidermy — the art of preserving tin- 
skins of l)irds, animals, &c. — he became an adept in that art. 
and si)ent a portion of his college vacations in collecting and 
prejiaiing birds and other objects — forming asnuili museum. 
He has since secured some line specimens of the native wild 
animals of Suffolk County for the Long Island Historical 
Society. 

Mr. Weeks is not a politician nor office-seeker. He has 
too much indei)endeiice to intrigue for office. If he has 
h«'l<l any ])ublic office, it has been the voluntary tribute of 
others. At the annual town meeting of his town -Brook- 
haven — in 1847, he was elected 

SUPKIJIX-rKNOKXr OF COMMON SCIKtOLS. 

The town is a large one, and embraced about forty dis- 
tricts and school-houses. He discharged the duties with 
al)ility and fidelity; was re-elected the following year, but 
declined serving, in order to attend to his ]>rivate affairs. 

In 1850, we find him engaged in the 

MAXAGKMENT OF BFE^i. 

He embarked in this with his usual ardor and eneisrv 
Every treatise upon this subject he procured and i)eruse(l. 
He thus combined the knowledge and practice of other 
apiarians with his own observation andexpeiieiice. 

He has facilities for observing the bees in their varied op- 
erations. 



42 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

In 1863, lie discovered by what means the honey bee is 
enabled to construct its 

HEXAGONAL CELLS, 

of a uniform size and shape. 

This mystery had elicited the admiration, excited the 
wonder and curiosity, battled the researches of the most 
astute philosophers and mathematicians, from the time of 
Aristotle, more than two hundred years. 

His elucidation of tliis was published in the Scientific 
American^ of May, 1860, and some years after, in the Bee 
Keepers' Journal. 

In 1853, he was elected a trustee of the School District 
here. In this position he had an opportunity to learn the 
conditions "and needs of his district. 

The school-house had been erected many years previ- 
ously, by certain proprietors ; some of whom still claimed 
their individual shares. The site had been granted to them 
solely for the purpose of a school-house, and was to revert 
to the grantor in case the house became "extinct." 

It was erected upon the site of the highway, and had no 
tree nor convenience about it. The district owned neither 
the house nor the site, nor were the bounds delined. In 
this anomalous position, in February, 1854, he wrote to 
the State Superintendent for instructions as to the powers 
of the residents. The following extract describes somewhat 
the condition of the house : 

" Of course, sir, after the lapse of nearly forty-three years, 
exposed to the peltings of the pitiless storm, the fervid rays 
of the noonday sun, and the multifarious hack of little boys' 
jackknives, the marks of age — venerable, though not rev- 
ered—are manifest upon its shattered frame. And though 
not "extinct,'' the hour of its dissolution is evidently not 
far distant. The crisis has come, and the physicians — with 
low tones and solemn looks — are consulting together." 

It was proposed to repair the old house. A majority of 
the voters decided to purchase a site and erect a new one. 



VAIMIANK AS IT IS. 43 

Tlieit* WHS strong ()|)j)(*siti<)!i lo tliisb}' some of the tux ])a3'- 
ers, wliicli iieitliriaiuuiiirnt nor ix'isiuisioii could overcome. 
0))})ositioii to l)iiil(liiig scliopl-liouses is not an unnsual 
ciicunistance in the rural districts. 

Mr. Weeks saw that the opportunity to secure a site of an 
acre, in the crntial part ol' thr vilhiuc, if then neglected, 
might never recur. Nothing remained l)ut for the inhabi- 
tants to exercise their legal powers. 

After two 3''ears, the hounds were duly detined and es- 
tablished. The site was purchased, and the house erected. 
During this period few are aware of his personal labor, and 
the extent of his writing. 

He toiled for the public good I His etforts may have been 
misconstrued, but he nevei- cherished any animosity toward 
those who caused him so much unnecessary trouble ! 

In 1859. he was appointed by Hons. D. R. Floyd, 

.Jones, and ('has. A. Floyd, then Su])ervisors of Oyster Bay 
and Huntington, to run the 

DIVISION LINK 

between those towns. 

This line is identical with the line between the counties of 
Queens and Suflblk. It is about twelve miles in length over 
the land. Portions of the line at each end were tradition- 
ally located ; but the new straight line deviate d from both, 
and led through forest and thicket, and across cleared fields. 
The survey was completed in July of that year, and the 
several monuments erected along the line in the Spring of 
1860. 

In May, 18()t?. occurred tht^ 

GKKAr FT UK, 

the most extensive and destructive that ever was known in 
the town of Brookhaven, or, in fact, on Long Island. It 
lasted two days, urged on by high winds, and devasted in 

its course his own and his father's woodland, and caused 



44 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

much loss. Soon after, he spent some time in traversing 
the burnt district, and preparing a map, which exhibited, 
in a clear manner, the location and extent of that disaster. 
Several years previous to this, the 

CRANBERRY CULTURE 

began to excite attention in Suffolk County. 

Believing he had some land adapted to this culture, he 
undertook to prepare it for that purpose. It was a swamp ; 
a soil of peat, hidden under a thicket of bushes and trees. 
After a series of years, with indomitable perseverance, and 
the expenditure of much personal labor and money, he 
brought a portion into a suitable condition for planting, and 
has since grown some of the finest cranberries ever exhibited 
in our county. 

At a meeting held at Thompson Station, February 1st, 
1865, to reorganize the Suffolk County Agricultural Society, 
he was elected 

TREASURER, 

an office of trust, the duties of which he executed during 
four successive years with marked ability. 

His financial reports are models of exactness in detail. 

He took an active part, also, in other respects, to promote 
the prosperity of the Society. 

While still engaged in the duties of this position, he was 
nominated by the Republican party and elected 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF THE POOR. 

He aimed, during his three years' term of office, to dis- 
charge every requisite duty in a thorough manner, and to 
make as little expense as possible for his personal services. 

In his third official year— 1871 — the County Alms House 
was completed, and he had the chief care of getting it in 
readiness for its future inmates. After the furniture and 
other articles were procured, he spent seveial nights alone 



TAIMIANK AS IT IS. 45 

in the house, to f^iiard tlic ])iil)lic proixTly nom liiv orotli.T 
loss. 

Seeing the importanct-, in tlie first yt'ar of itspra<'ti<;al op- 
eration, ol" liaving tiiis new institution managed with pni- 
denc.c^ and an accurate account of its expenses recorded, as 
a criterion for the future, he concluded to accept the charf^e 
of it, and, with his wife as matron, lesided tlu'i-.- durinu' thf 
year 1872. 

No two persons could have bi'cn found who coiiihint^d 
more Intel liircnce, industry, fidelity :iiid <'liirit'ncv f<>r the 
varied duties of the j^osition, th.-iii Mr. and .Mrs. Weeks. 
Nor will the house evei' bf niana<::t'd for thf interests of both 
the inmates and the ))ul)lic with more s<-dnlous cnif than 
was exercised by them. 

Besides the active duties of su[)ervisin':; tin- honsf. hf 
conducted the correspondence, i)uichased thesui)plies. ke})t 
the accounts and register, and never lirsitated to " put his 
'shoulder to the wheel," whenever his skill and strengtli 
were required. He oiiginated and began the system of in- 
tennents in a uniform manner, and of legistering the same 
for future identification. 

HIS TEMPERANCE PRINCIPLES. 

He may justly be considered a temperance veteraji ; foi- 
when he was about two years old, he refused all drinks but 
pure water. What at first might have been a freak of ob- 
stinacy, became, in time, a settled principle, from which 
neither persuasion nor ridicule coukl move him. 

Before the first temi)erance society was formed— in 1820 
—he was a "cold water man," and for more than fifty years 
has quenched his thirst with nothing but water, to the ex- 
clusion of all spirituous liquors, tea and coff'ee. Nor has 
he ever used tobacco in any form. He feels neither the de- 
sire nor need of these articles. To his abstemiousness in 
this respect, and to his physical activity, he ascribes the 
long combined good health and strength with which lie has 
been blest. 



46 TAPHANK AS IT IS. 

He would urge the youth of his country, for their health 
and independence, to adopt the same habits. And he would 
dissuade the young men of our land from the use of intoxi- 
cating drinks, and from the useless and pernicious practice 
of using tobacco. 

To those addicted to tliis habit lie likes occasionally to 
relate, that an ingenious citizen of Boston once devised 

A SUBSTITUTE FOR TOBACCO, 

The chief recommendations of which were, that it loas 
just as nasty ^ and a great deal cheaper ! 

PERSONAL. 

Mr. Weeks is about the medium height, compactly built, 
fnlly developed, active, and powerful. His countenance is 
dominant, but intellei^tiial. He has a pleasing address, 
and is unpretending in his hinguage and appearance. He 
walks with a hurried, eager gait, and, seen upon the street, 
would be taken for a mechanic, or some one with a job on 
hand, and a limited time to perform it in. 

He is never at a loss for something to do. AVith his 
family cares, his bees, his garden, and work-shop, his atten- 
tion and labors are ever employed and diversified. 

He is skilled in the use of mechanic's' tools, and his work- 
shop is replete witli every one in ordinary use. With his 
books and the public- journals his leisure time is beguiled. 
He always sees something ahead not yet accomplished. 

Mr. Weeks was always fond of athletic sports, and is 
still a graceful skater. Although not an adept in all tlie 
variations of the modern art, yet he has never met an equal 
in delineating the capital letters of the alphabet, with his 
skates, on ice. 

In 1848 he married Miss Mary Croswell, of Schoharie 
County, a most estimable and intelligent lady. Their union 
has been blest with twelve children — six sons and six daugh- 
ters — nine of whom are now living:. 



vr. 

DANIEL DOWNS SVVKEZY. 

PERSONAL — HIS BUSINESS— IN THE FAMILY. 

Downs Sweezy is the eldest son :iiid lieiroftlie late Chris- 
topher Sweezy. His father kept a tavern for many years 
ill the old homestead ; that has simre been demolished. In 
those early days, what is now Yai)hank was then Millville, 
or Middle Island, an almost nidviiown hamlet of about half 
a dozen houses. 

PERSONAL. 

D. D. Sweezy is about sixty-five 3'ears old, sickly and 
broken-down. 

His sympathy for the outside world and the Hufiering 
masses is limited. Generally agreeable and entertaining, 
sometimes arbitrary and self-willed. He looks out on the 
world, he sees the oppressed struggling in the sea of pov- 
erty, he knows the bleak winds chill the hearts of thou- 
sands, and that the inexorable demon ever haunts their 
door. His ears are deaf to their cries, and his eyes rest 
upon them as upon a Summer landscape. 

Downs Sweezy is not a charitable man 1 

In his dealings with men he is called honest antl honoi- 
able, but exacting and stringent. If there be any enviable 
side of a bargain, he inevitabl}' secures it. 

The history of Downs Sweezy is the history of his 
brother, V^an Ransellar. God has given them much of this 
world's goods. He has made their hearts smile with ])lent3'. 
While others go down in the vortex, they prosper and are 
haj)])y. Their " munificent " gifts are ''showered " on the 



4:8 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

church. If the spiritual demands are satiated the_y regard 
the world and social decorum secure. But, who will ap- 
pease the physical ? None can satisfy the requirements of 
God with an empt}^ stomach ! Did the Israelites in the 
wilderness'!! Will oui- local poor? Then let our rich un- 
lock their coffers ! God has blessed them witli abundance ; 
but he never intended they should hoard while pooi* hu- 
manity ciies for bread. It is a solemn spectacle to see men, 
whose lives liang- upon bi-ittle tlireads, labor more eagerly 
on the road to riches as the grave draws nearer, and the cur- 
tain is rolling down over their last acts I 

ins J5USINESS. 

By profession. Downs Sweezy is a miller and farmer. 
For years Van liansaeller and himself worked the old mill 
their father owned. Time made rapid changes. Their 
father died : Van Ransaeller sold his interest to Downs, 
and the old mill was hauled down, and a more capacious 
and better modeled one built on nearly the old site. 

His mills have proved paying institutions, and have a 
reputation of over sixty years' standing. 

IN THE FAMILY. 

He has a wife and one child — a daiigliter. In them is 
centered his interest. Bread would be deleterious to his 
stomach if his family pronounced it unfit food. May would 
be the dreariest month of the year if his family did not 
enjoy it; and thus he is known in the family. He is a 
pleasant man at home — affable and courteous. 

Of late — Downs Sweezj^ has not given his business much 
personal supervision. He has suffered many long years 
with a chronic disease, and twice tottered over the brink of 
the grave. 

As long as the waves murmer on the shores of Willow 
Lake, and the groans of Sweezy' s Mill are wafted to the 
ears of the villagers, the name of Sweezy will remain fresh 
on the annals of Yaphank's history. 




EDWAKD WICKHAM MILLS. 



\ 11. 

EDWARD WICKHAM MILLS. 

HIS YOUTHFUL ENTERPRISE — HIS SENSIBLE VIEW OF BUSI- 
NESS — POPULAR WITH ALL — PERSONAL. 

MIS YOri'lIKrL KNTEIiPRISE. 

Tlip subject of this sketch was born in Middle Tf>wn. 
Orange Co., the 19tli day of June, 1849. He is the son of 
Edmund Smith and Elmira Finn Mills. 

Early in life youno; Wickham evinced an pnterprisinp 
inclination, and comhinins; an invincible will with honorabjp 
resolutions, he launched into the business world. His 
name was first brought before the commercial public in a 
manufacturing capacity. Like all successful mercliants and 
tradesmen, he was first doomed to endure a failure, before he 
could appreciate a success. His factory sptM-ulation was not 
auspicious, and may be credited as one stumble in his finan 
cial career. But defeat is indispensable to lay a facile road 
to wealth. Thus, when but a youth, he became involved 
in a money difficulty that would have discouraged more 
mature minds. 

But young Wickham was not disiieartened. Tiiough his 
initiation into a business sphere slightly willed his enthusi- 
asm, it never daunted his fixed determinations and aspim 
tions. 

He canceled all claims against him, left the ether so 
tmhealthy, and came to cong(^nial little Yaphank. 

In 1850 he entered the store of his brother-in-law, as 
under clerk. His restless enterprise did not allow him to 
remain contented in that humble position, and giving posi- 



52 YAPHATSTK AS IT IS. 

tive evidence of greater efficiency, was deservedly promoted 
to the head of Mr. Mills' mercantile affairs in Yaphank. 

His increasing business increases his friends and popu- 
larity. Such laudable motives in a young man are sure 
prognostics of a brilliant future. 

In 1872 we see him again settled upon a mercantile foun- 
dation, as the dashing young successor to J. P. Mills. No 
more a slave of the diy -goods counter, he is responsible for 
the success or failure of his own establishment. When the 
shingle of "John P. Mills, Merchant," was taken down, 
and the glaring appellation of '"E. Wickham Mills" 
looked out over the dormant village, a ring of joy echoed 
from every home. 

his sensible view of business. 

Mr. Mills enjoys a reasonable view of this subject. He 
believes that what nature kindly bestowed upon us we 
lack in ambition and enterprise ; that if we can centre cap- 
italists' attention to our wasting virtues, a multiplication of 
population will inevitably follow, and opposition spring 
up. Opposition being the vital of trade, good effects will 
consequently ensue ; thus benefiting merchants, tradesmen 
and citizens alike. He believes there are stumbling stones 
in every path to improvement, and that the path to Yap- 
hank is no exception. 

POPULAR with all. 

With his customers and friends he is popular for his fa- 
cetiousness and gentlemanly bearing. Always character- 
ized by his humor and jocularity, he wins a friend in every 
patron. 

From the four points of the compass his customers flock. 
No house in Brookhaven Town has a firmer corner stone, or 
has stood more firmly through financial eruptions and 
panics, than his. 

The extent of his trade is really astonishing. Far up 
among the hills of Coram he sends his wares. The people of 



YAPHANK AS IT IS. Cy'.i 

Bellport, BrookhavHn, Southaven, Mastic, and Moriches, 
use his mHrcliandisc. From tlie Manor and Eastport, and 
other Eastern villages, the peopln come to buy their goods, 
and to drive liard bargains. In Middle Island. Sweezy 
town, and tlu* Ridge he is known as the luminary of 
"Mills' store." 

His books will favorably compare with any similar 
establishment in Sutiblk Co. 

The headlight of his house is politeness. The tott<'ring 
old lady, with a dozen eggs and a pound of butter, is granted 
an exchange as pleasantly and with the same air of polite- 
ness that is showered upon the "• upper tens," wlio carry a 
rustle of nacarat and an odoriferous scent of band-boxes 
about them. 

PERSONAL. 

Mr. Mills is about five feet eight inches in height, and 
more handsome and prepossessing than business men gen- 
ei*ally are. His cheerful, agreeable manners win him friends 
among the stern sex, while the Napoleonistic twists of his 
elegant moustache charm the gentle element to ])erfection. 

He has mastered the "dips'" that fascinate the tender 
ones, and while he possesses all the art requisite to win the 
good graces of both sexes, he is also as undeniably popular 
in the parlor and home circle as in the business sphere. 

A polite "good morning," and a graceful bow, are ar- 
ticles connected with his establishment that cost no outlay, 
but are priceless to him. 

He is slight in build : compact and lithe : while a merry 
twinkle beams from his guileless orbs. 

He never boasts, says but little regarding his private af- 
fairs, and carries concealed the tide that turns the wheels 
of his business. 

He is very fond of music, and is quite an Arion in his 
way. For years he has sung in the Presbyterian choir, and 
he moves conspicuously at their meetings. 



54 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

His heart is centered in his increasing business, in the 
young ladies of his acquaintance, and in the friendship of 
all. In consummation he is a model merchant, a model 
Yaphanker, and ah ! were it my privilege to declare him a 
model husband and papa I Well, he is a model beau, ne 
vertheless, as many blushing damsels are willing to verify. 

May his lines ever be cast in pleasant places ; may his 
voice never lose its ring, or his smiles fail to plant roses in 
the hearts of the dear ones ! 



VIII. 
ALFRED ACKERLY. 

HIS BUSINESS — IN TH K CHURCH. 

Alfred Ackerly was born in Patcliogue. Suffolk County, 
September 16th, 1818. 

He came to Yaphank, December 9th, 1843, and began his 
apprenticeship with Tunis Whitbeck, a wiieelwriglit. 

He is fifty-six years old, but looks mucli old^r. Like 
Hawkins Gerard, his daily worth is dail}- substantiated ; 
and it can never be said of him that his every -day life and 
examples have guided souls astray. 

In the death of Mr. Smith, he sutfered the loss of a Chris- 
tian friend and confidant ; indeed, he lamented much his 
tragic end. 

His is the blended features of benevolence, consecration, 
and sincere piety. His heart is so evidently in consolida- 
tion and in unison with his missionary spirit, the warm- 
hearted Christian man, and not the egotist, wins the esteem 
of all. 

During the great revival of 1858. in Yaphank, he found 
peace in a Saviour's love, and bowed before the God of his 
fathers. He has since been a supporting pillar of the 
Church ; in fact, one of the most supporting. 

Many affairs of the Yaphank Presbyterian Church are 
trusted with him ; and the minds of its members rest un- 
alloyed by fears of his abusing their confidence, so un- 
bounded is their faith in his honesty and integrity. Mr. 
Ackerly wears the garb of every-day Christianity, and dona 
no Pharisaical robes to make good impressif)ns, and in- 
dulges in no crocodile tears to melt the hearts of the worldly. 



56 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

He prays wiili uiiastsuming earnestness and a heart over- 
flowing with Godly and philanthropic love. He is a repre- 
sentative Yaphnnker, because, if there is any external and 
internal virtue in tlie place, he is a representation of that 
limited morality. 

His habits are regular ; and it would not be difficult to 
meet him on weekdays, or on the Sabbath. He seldom 
deviates from the beaten routine of his business and habits. 

Mr. Ackerly is a friend to every man. woman and child, 
and is an earnest advocate of the Golden Rule. He knows 
how to touch the hearts of sinners. Unlike many co-work- 
ers in the same vineyard, he never startles his hearers with 
a dreadful catalogue of crime attached to their individual 
selves, except those guileless ones within the partial walls 
of the church ! He shuns egotism in his walks with men, 
thus escaping tlie rock upon which so many Christians 
split. 

He was for years the chorister of the Yapha.nk Presby- 
terian Church and Superintendent of the Sabbath-scljool. 
The former position he probably would have occupied to 
this day, but the church, growing more aristocratic, he gave 
way to an imported bellowing machine. 

HIS BUSINESS. 

He is a wheelwright by profession, and is considered an 
excellent workman. After he was married he came to Yap- 
hank and mastered his trade in his brother-in-law's shop. 
After he became a journeyman, and anterior to his perma- 
nent residence in Yaphank, he worked as a ship mechanic in 
Drowned Meadow — Port Jeff'erson. 

His patrons know him. and his work meets satisfaction. 
Men that wish a job done on which reliance can be placed 
carry it to his shop. 

A movement was set on foot in 1872 to establish a car- 
riage factory in Yaphank, and Mr. Ackerly was conspicu- 
ous as one mover. It is a work still in contemplation, and 
one the vicinity is incomplete without. 



IX. 

SAMUEL F. NORTUIS. 

AS A NKIGIIBOR AND KUIKND — IX THK CHURCII — AT IfO.MK. 

Mr. Norton was horn at Seidell, Sotfolk Co., in 1814; lie 
is, consequently, 60 years of agn. He niari-i(^d Eliza Sweezy, 
a daughter of Cliristopliei- Sweezy, Yapliank. and settled 
here in 1847. 

AS A NEIGHBOR AND FRIEND. 

If smiles and Jokes scatter tiowers along Life's rough 
path, Dea. Norton is a benefactor to mankind. His kind 
words and ever-smiling face have lighteii'-'d the burdens of 
many weary travelers on the Grreat Highway ; and where 
thorns would have grown, he planted the sweet rose by his 
cheering words and generous deeds. 

If a neighbor or friend is in distiess, succor and aid can 
always be found i?i Dea. Norton. Whether you meet him 
on the street or in the social circle, a pleasant word and 
smile will greet you. He never changes. He wears the 
same geniality under Winter's dark and lowering clouds as 
in the sunny days of .) iine. When clouds obscure the sun, 
his jokes are just as pithy. While the storms of life are 
raging without, he has an Eden within, (rod bless such 
men I If more fathers were like liini. and more husbands 
imitated his example, less tears would be shed, and less 
anguish be sutlered I 

I.N IHE CHURCH. 

Dea. Norton is purely Presbyterian in his religious be- 
lief. He has l)een an elder in the Yapliank Presbyterian 



68 YAPHANK AS IT 13. 

Church for many years, and the position he will probably 
hold until he is borne to his grave. The same sympathetic 
cheerfulness characterizes his movements in the church that 
makes him popular without. No man in Yaphank possesses 
the qualifications, or could give the universal satisfaction 
that is annexed to his connection and relationship with the 
church and its affairs. 

He is elastic and sprightly in his disposition ; cheerful, 
open-hearted, and honorable. The honor of Yaphank, his 
adopted village, is always dear to hitn ; and the spiritual 
and physical wants of his townsmen find a home in his 
heart. 

As long as Yaphank has a being, his name will form an 
important part of its historic interest. 

AT HOME. 

In the family he is jovial and genial. To appreciate his 
true merit, he must be seen "At Home." His primitive 
occupation is " tilling the soil," but he is ingenious at any- 
thing, and worked for a long period in the shop where 
Alfred Ackerly is now settled. In the phrase of the country, 
he is a jack-at-all- trades. 

Mr. Norton is well versed in the history of his age, and 
is an interesting conversationist ; not dignified and ostenta- 
tious, but social and instructive. An evening could not be 
whiled more integrally pleasant than with Samuel P. Nor- 
ton. 



X. 

JOHN HAMMOND. 

PKKSONAL — AT HOME. ABROAD. AND TX THE OirURni. 

Sketches of prominent Yiipliankers, minus the liistory of 
John Hammond, would not be complete. His burly tigure 
towers prominently everywhere. Strangers don't appre- 
ciate the beauty of Yaphank until they gaze upon his ele- 
phantine form. He is acquainted with the history of nearly 
every citizen — old and young. Their lives — good and bad — 
lie buried in his astounding memory. He can rake over the 
bones of the past at will, and excite his hearers with a re- 
cital of the events connected witli the career of " So-and-so.' 
To insure the success of any undertaking in Yaphank, he 
must first be interviewed, his advice obtained, and ideas 
consulted ; then rush impetuously onward — success is 
yours ! 

If a sensation throws the village into excitement, the de- 
tails of the case can earliest be obtained of him. K one be 
in doubt regarding "the scandal about So-and-so," he di- 
rects his steps toward Mr. Hammond's shop. That shop 
is famous ! It is as well known in this vicinity as the Mam- 
moth Cave is in Kentucky, or the City Hall in New York 
City. 

PERSONAL. 

Mr. Hammond was born in Yaphank, Nov. 25, 1814. He 
is, accordingly, 60 years of age. He has a large, heavy 
frame, fully six feet in height — ponderous and powerful. 
Mr. Hammond is a pleasant companion, abounding with 
anecdotes and humor ; and did he not dive too often into 



60 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

personalities, and unlock his knowledge of men and things 
a more agreeable neighbor and citizen could not embellish 
the record of any village. 

He is an old whaleman, and made a number of voyages to 
"Greenland's Icy Mountains/' during the whaling fever- 
During James Weeks' administration, he was conductor on 
the Long Island Railroad, and during his three years of 
office he lost not one day. Mr. Hammond has traveled 

uch, and has a knowledge of the great events of his day. 

e can recall, with remarkable exactness, what transpired 
a half century ago. It is interesting to listen to stories of 
his school days, and the incidents familiar with the names 
of our most prominent men. 

AT HOME, ABROAD, AND IN THE CHUKCH. 

If John Hammond's pleasantry was not fitful and varia- 
ble, and his spirits governed by the clouds, and changing 
events, a kinder father and husband could not exist. In 
the language of an old villager : "He can be the most agree- 
able, or the most disagreeable cuss on earth.'" But I would 
inform my readers that there are more despicable characters 
than John Hammond, and they exist in a land of civiliza- 
tion, too, and under the ring of the Gospel. His disagree- 
ableness is an exception, and not the rule of his life. He is 
very blunt in tlie use of language, and what slumbers in 
his heart, he pours out on friend and foe alike. 

Mr. Hammond is a pleasant man at home, and the 
wants of his family are few. The attractions of home are 
dear to him, and he never wearies in extolling Ids children. 

Abroad, Mr. Hammond would be taken for an old school 
merchant, or a railroad king ; in fact, one of the solid men 
of tile times. At home, he would be taken for what he is. 

In the church lie figures conspicuously. He is called a 
man of rare musical attainments, but has superiors. 

Mr. Hammond is consid<^red a partisan of the " Iron 
Government'' — a denouncer of improvement as circum- 



F'AI'HAXK \> IT IS. 61 

vpTitiori. GynprxTucy, Woman's Riglits. and Ben. Bntlt-r 
would be buried in otie tomb if his will was su])rHnie. 

He is termed .1. P. Mills' vindicator, confidant, and 
cliampiou. What Mr. Mills don't like, Mr. Hammond will 
not endorse. W^hat he d(^)^>^ like, will be attained, if com 
bined efforts possess power. It is astonishing what vast in 
Huence Mr. ^[ills sways over the minds of some of our most 
solid citizens ! He is indirectly responsible for the pi-esenf 
state of affairs iu this place. In obeyance with his will, 
one hundred thousand dollars would be invested iti embel- 
lishing the ])lace, introducing new improvements and busi- 
ness, and trebling the census of Yaphank in one year. A 
dozen prospering factories would raise their smoky peaks 
heavenward, and send the cheering din of trade to the lan- 
guid homes, in accordance with his wish. 



XI. 
SAMUEL LESTER HOMAN. 

PERSONAL. 

S. L. Homan was born in Henry street, Brooklyn, Jan. 
31, 1823. He is not a decidedly prominent Yaphanker at 
the present time, but sixteen years ago was the largest 
farmer in the place. He employed more laborers, and did 
more toward advancing the Noble Art, than any citizen in 
Yaphank. 

But fire, fraud, war and ill-health did its work with 
him. When the Great Joel Smith Fire crossed the Island, 
it swept away his woodland. Affliction after affliction fol- 
lowed like an armed man. Piles of cord- wood rotted by the 
L. I. Raih-oad track, which he was obliged to lose through 
the rascality of the company. He looked blindly through 
a veil. To recover his losses, he purchased another farm, 
and enlarged his business. Ton on ton of fertilizing ma- 
nure was plowed under the sod of his new purchase, and 
the sky looked clear once more. Soon the boom from 
Fort Sumter rolled over the land. That gun was the signal 
of his downfall. The men who grasped him by the hand 
in prosperity, refused him compromise or aid. He never 
asked for quarter, and it never was granted. His Summer 
dreams had vanished, and lie went down as many strong 
men have gone before. His relations proved foes, and the 
waves of adversity dashed and beat him to pieces. He 
was a great conceptualist, with defective concentrativeness. 
When the clouds gathered, he was obliged to succumb to 
unrelenting creditors, and conceded without a murmur. 



YAPTIAVK AS TT IS. 68 

His new purchase faded from view, and his Iobr was 
another's gain. 

PERSONAL. 

He is a very retired and unobtrusive man. Failure has 
darkened the sky of liis life, and th«' society of men is un- 
congenial to him. He believes honest men are exceptions, 
and not universal. He delights to talk of the smart men 
that are gone, and dotes mucli on the ability of his grand 
father, Esq. Mordecai Homan. With his grandfather Im- 
always lived, and stood beside his couch when he expired. 

It has been publi(;ly dt^clared that Esq. Homan was, and 
always will be, the most illustrious Homan that ever lived, 
or ever will live, in Bi-ookhaven Town. Tliat assertion re- 
mains to be substantiated bv time I but it is remarkable, 
that among all his descendants, not one has inherited his 
indomitable will and enterprise. 




SERENO BURNELL OVERTON. 



x r I . 

SKJiKNO 151 IJNKLL ()\ KKTON. 

PERSONAL — KMMAMKS IPoN A M KIUANTILK SKA — TH K TKl' K 

MAX. 

1»KUS()NAI.. 

S. 11 Overtoil was Ixhii oil tlie Otli day of August, 1827, 
which makes liim t'oity-s»'\>'n y<*ars ohl. He has a tall and 
muscular ronii. well |»i-o)K»itioiie(l and dev(>l(»))c(|. r<'isoii- 
ally and jihysically lie ai»|tears not ovci- twenty livr. His 
iiivarial)le ]>leasaiitry and u'ood humor have made him 
friends of all whoeiijoy his ac(jnaintane(- and society. 

Mr. Oveiton is the sole survivinu- l)rother of a family of 
live — all tailing victims to that implacable foe to mankind, 
consumption. He is a working member of the Va])liank 
Presbyterian Churcli : and a su])poi'ter of that incorpoi-a- 
tion. 

Tn his dealings with men. he is sharp and shrewd, but 
honest and relenting. All his acticms are chaiarterized by 
an original system of his own. Xo man pays more regard 
to the laws of health, or the demands of nature, than does 
Mr. Overton. He has learn^'d that the best is the <'lieapest; 
thns walking in light, while thousands grope in darknerjs 
to their graves. He has, long ago, arrived at the laudable 
conclusion that "it is not all to live, or all to die;'" and 
made the choice of eternity in iSrvA. Mr. Overton builds 
not on the sand; he knows that life is but a breath com 
pared to the great uufathomed. and sows his seed wisely. 
He is an unostentatious man at home, and in the church ; 
and attracts no attention with pompous words and gilded 



68 yaphane: as it is. 

deeds. No man completes my heau ideal of perfection ; 
for no man is free from guile. As long as the sun throws 
its effulgent rays over the earth, so long will wickedness 
abound. But, if more were like S. B. Overton, the sun's 
beams would pierce less dens of horroi", and the peals of 
Sabbath bells echo over less "waste places,'' 

embaeks upon a mercantile sea. 

Mr. Overton was early apprenticed to the carpenter 
trade ; and after mastering it, he restlessly gazed over more 
fascinating fields than wielding the indispensable plane. In 
1851, he cast aside his architectural tools, and opened a 
store in Yaphank, in partnership with his eldest brother, 
Osborn. 

In combination witli butchering and marketing, they did 
an extensive business. In 18 — , Alfred Ackerly and Son 
purchased the business and good will, and the Overton 
partnership was dissolved. 

Reverses are many. Bankruptcy, and not success ; ad- 
versity, and not prosperity, is the law of trade. While 
many around Mr. Overton envy him his success in life, but 
few possess his energy, shrewdness, and clear comprehen- 
sion of business: What sensible mind believes that the 
wheel of fortune is driven by the hand of luck ; and who 
credits the virtue of luck ? 

Sereno Overton had fewer opportunities to rise in the 
world than most young men of his day. His parents were 
poor; he early began to struggle for himself; and if the tide 
of fortune ebbed and flowed in his favor, and the billows of 
adversity beat and tossed those around him, it was due to 
superior business talent on his part, and poor management 
on the other. 

While in mercantile business in Yaphank, he was saving, 
prudent, and judicious. He made money, friends, and an 
honorable name ; and is more popular to-day than twenty 
years ago. 



YAPIIANK AS IT LS. 69 

TllK TRUE MAN. 

No one can speak depreciatingly of Mr. Overton ; no one 
doubts liis Ciiristian integrity, and no one is too high or too 
low to cherish his name. In Ya})luuik, and whtMrvcr iiis 
popularity extends, h«* is honored and respected fur his 
nncliaiigiiig ])leasantness, sociality, and honesty. 

lie is master of his business, and makes or refuses a l)ar- 
gaiii almost immrdiately. As a speculator in his business, 
he is very successful. He would be successful at anything 
he might api)ly himself thoroughly to. lie is sagacious, 
lias excellent Judgment and much experience, and is candid 
and unwav(^riiig. 

The struggle for wealth may prove the doom of many ; 
many memories may be destroyed by gold, and many may 
deviate from the ])ledged vows and narrow ])ath, because 
the glittering god shines more transplendent in the broad ; 
but there are men that we naturally credit with more stabil- 
ity of mind, and firmness of will, than to be swerved 
by even tlie powerful influence of gold; and one glance 
at the genial but firm-looking gentleman at the head 
of this sketch, will contirm that he can unquestionably 
be included in that list of lamentably scarce individuals 
who rank honor and friends and a ho})ein thegood by-aiid- 
by above the short enjoyments of gold. Mr. Uveiton is a 
Tru«' Man. 



41 




EDWAKD LIVINGSTON GERARD. 



XIII. 
EDWARD LIVINGSTON GERARD. 

PKRSONAL — A UKVIKW — HIS ACCOM I'LISHMENTS. 

Edward L. Gerard was born in Poit Jefferson, ]^[aicli 
11th, 1836. He came to Yapliank in 1842 — wlien but six 
years old — and entered the family of liis uncle, Hawkins 
Gerard. 

He early evinced decided executive ability, and soon be- 
came manager of his uncle's business, and is his probable 
successor. While the giddy and gay were whirling their 
leisure hours in the ma/}' dance, or frequenting places of 
amusement, young Edward was poring over his books and 
storing up the knowledge that has proved so indis])ensable 
in his Jitter life. Mr. Gerard began life with nothing but an 
honest purpose, an invincible will, and a kind uncle and 
aunt ; but by his untiring energy and his thorough compre- 
hension of the details of business, he has gained for himself 
an unc[uestionable business leputation. He is an industri- 
ous, hard-working, public-spirited man, and has done much 
to ini])rove Ya])liank. 

In the Autumn of 1871, he was elected a Superintendent 
of our ('ounty poor, in which capacity he reflects credit 
up(m himself and his constituents. 

Honorable as is his record in business relations, it is as 
a Christian and neighbor that his name is cherislied. He 
has long been a member of the Yaphank Presbyterian 
Church, and at the present writing officiates in the follow- 
ing ca])acities : elder, trustee, organist and secretary. In 
the infancy (»f that enteritrise, its prosperity enlisted his 



74 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

uncle' s sympathy, prayers, and beneficence ; while Edward, 
in its success and firm establishment, in the beautiful little 
house of worship, and undei' able pastors, greatly rejoiced. 
He married in 1873, and decided to settle in Old Yap- 
hank — a place made doubly dear to him by business suc- 
cess and friendship's sacied ties. Yaphank could ill afford 
to lose so honorable and enterprising a citizen as E. L. 
Gerard has ever sliown himself to be. 

' PEKSONAL. 

Mr. Gerard possesses two peculiarities that won General 
Grant national fame. What he knows he uses practically, 
and for a purpose. He has chosen his calling, and mas- 
tered it. Like our illustrious President, he is not loqua- 
cious. What he says and does — although sometimes gov- 
erned by innate arbitrariness — is intended in strict conform- 
ity to honesty and honor. 

He is a trifle below the average stature ; slender in build, 
with a wide-awake, Yankee look and action. His prosper- 
ity is due to personal exertions ; luck is limitedly attached 
to his success. 

Men who envy Mr. Gerard liis sunshine, could never be 
induced to follow his clouds to acquire it. No man in the 
town works harder, oi- labors more hours than he. He is 
invariably at his business. Agreeable and accommodating, 
he deserves success. 

W^hen Robert Smith was nominated a Superintendent of 
our county poor against Mr. Gerard, he was universally 
considered the strongest and most infiuential candidate. 
Mr. Gerard's election annihilated all party fears, and he has 
since grown stronger in public favor, for none doubted his 
business qualifications and veracity. 

Mr. Smith's defeat — while it won Gerard victory — reflects 
no discredit on his individual ability and qualification. The 
political sea ebbed and fiowed against him. Majority won, 

d lie lost the da}''. 



YAPHANK AS IT IS. 75 

A in-.VIKW. 

Mr. Gerard is soiiictinu's iiniusiiiii;. hut never alluriiifjj; 
sonietinit^s pleasant, never fascinatinj;- ; often spic}', iifver 
satirical. He would be successful in any mercantile or com- 
mercial d(*])artiuent. lit* would be jjioniiiicnt as a mer- 
chant, banker, or broker ; but never as an orator or minis- 
ter. He might become a second Stewart, but never a Spur- 
geon. 

By strangers, Mr. Gerard is seklom deemed jjrepossess- 
ing. He is too retired unassuming and unpretentious to 
please the fancy world. Steady, honorable, not supercili- 
ous, nor ostentatious, he must be known to be api)re<^i- 
ated. In consummation, he is neat, but not gaudy. 

niS ACCOM I'LISIIMENTS. 

He has what wealth or position cannot buy : a contented 
mind. 

Dame Jenkins says "A man is contented while fortune 
smiles." Oh, you cruel proverbial I 

Mr. Gerard early took to bt-neficial stud}^ and is consid- 
ered as well informed in th'- current lore as the prevailing 
])rivileges allow. 

Within the classicial walls of the Miller's Place Academy, 
Edward mastered the rudiments of a common education. 
FiVen in his early life no great cables circumferenced the 
earth with bonds of electricity, and no iron horses thun- 
dered over the land as at the present day, snorting theii- 
civilization and steam enterprise into the trackless forests. 
Railroads were in oj)eration, but not extensively. Galvanic 
l)atteries seldom shocked the ske})tical nerves, and no Gre- 
cian bends frightened the su])eistitious. Science had made 
hut little progress, and was crudely original. Now, steam 
plows uproot the sod, and golden grain waves over the 
land, where the original Americans slew the bison and built 
their wigwams but a little while ago. Thus E. L. Gerard 
acquired his education in an age — not over a quarter of a 



76 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

century ago — when science had not reached the culmination 
we now enjoy ; and arithmetic, writing, geography and 
spelling comprised the principal academic course. 

Mr. Gerard is somewhat of a musician, and is regarded 
as good musical authority. He is ingenious, withal, and 
has produced articles possessing mechanical excellence. 






XIV. 

8AMUEL SMITH. 

PUBLIC AM) FJUVATK — HIS iriSANITY — HIS ITORUIBLE KND. 

Mr. Smith was born at West Field, Sp1(I«mi. Se])t(nnb<'r 
2(), 1822. He came to Ya))liank from the East ; lie came in 
search of fortune and lieaitli, and found tliem ; he found 
the irdand air invigorating and bracing ; the society proved 
congenial, and he prospered and was ha])py. In the 
church he figured actively, and helped to sustain a num- 
ber of fruitful revivals. Mr. Smith was a woiking Chiis- 
tian, and feared he failed to meet the demands of his Sa- 
viour. Some say Mr. Smith pounded the anvil of his own 
glory; but it is a cruel accusation. He was a semi illiter- 
ate man, and where he erred he did it blindly. With his 
settlement in Ya])hank, to the day of his tiagic death, the 
same Godly spirit guided him; and he often drank, with 
sori'ow, the water of Jordan. Each heart knoweth its own 
sorrow I No on»^ suspected the trouble battling in his 
bosom until the storm burst. Upon God's altar he often 
])ouied out his earthly tribulations, and wej)t over the in- 
difference of sti'aying sheep. 

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. 

He was a hard-working man, driving and ])recise in busi- 
ness ; he was not a genius, but what he lacked mentally, 
he substituted physically. Mr. Smith was a remarkably 
punctual man at l)usiness, and as regular as old Sol peeped 
o'er the Eastern hills he was about his calling. 



78 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

HIS INSANITY. 

Thursday, January 29tli dawned bright and cheering 
on the quiet village. No outward movement denoted that 
it was destined to be a very eventful da}^ to Yaphank. In 
the cemetery men were preparing a grave for all that was 
mortal of Captain George Hulse, one of Yaphank' s most 
respected citizens. After a protracted illness of three years, 
suffering with a disease he was positive must ivsult fatally, 
he calmly and unmurmuringly yielded to the implacable 
summons. 

The day preceding the funeral of Captain Hulse, it was 
rumored tliat Hamuel Smith was a religious maniac. He 
was insane on religion, as proved. Many doubted the re- 
port, and others credited all pertaining to the sensational 
rumor, as Mr. Smith had established symptoms of an ;ilieii- 
ation of the mind, and appeared suffering and despondent 
for a number of days. Thursday morning he desired to be 
carried to an asylum, as he feared his inability to with- 
stand the great mental conflict that was torturing him. The 
symptoms evinced a positive aberration of the mind, and he 
was no longer responsible for his acts. He was closel}' 
watched, and why the deed was not frustrated is a mystery. 
He at first attempted destruction by hanging, but a ladder 
in the barn was an obstacle. His wife appeared on the 
scene, and entreated him to " come into the house." She 
left him a moment to call his son, and the deed was done. 
With a maniac's instinctive cunning, he knew that a minute 
more, some one would interfere between him and his pur- 
pose. Determined to die, he grasped his pocket knife and 
plunged it twice into his neck. The blows severed a main 
artery and pierced his wind-pipe. 

HIS HOREIBLE END. 

Bleeding and dying, he was led into the house. Doc. J. 
I. Baker was immediately summoned, and declared his re- 
covery hopeless. For three hours the Doc. hejd his finger 



YAPIIAXK AS IT IS. 79 

in the severed vessel ; hoping a congelation of the blood 
would allow a Junction of the artery. All that medical sldll 
could execute was ])erf()nned in the almost hopeless en- 
deavor to save him from a suicide's grave. 

He called a number of young converts arojind liis hed 
and though insanity was the originator of his Maineh-ss act 
he rationally conversed with them on religious subjects 
and implored them to shun the paths when in he had ern-d 
and to se«'k '* the gold that is tried in the lire." "T |io])e 
you will speak well of me when I am gone/" he said ; 
"and regard my last acts as the woik of tlie Fiend."" lie 
s])oke comniendably of Mr. Lockwood. the Pivsbytei-ian 
minister, and declared the last sermon lie listened to a most 
impressive one. He spoke of friends he om^e knew and 
loved, and lamented that he had done tln^ deed. 

He lingered until the evening of the SOtli, when his si)iril 
abdicated its home of clay, and Samuel Smith was num- 
bered among the gone. 

No doubt he is singing the songs he loved to sing when on 
earth, and sounding praises with those that passed ovei- be- 
fore him. 



XV. 

EDWARD HOMAN. 

AS A NEIGHBOR AND FRIEND — PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. 

This gentleman was born in Yaphank, Dec. 22, 1820. He 
married a Miss Mary Snowden in 1859, a lady then living 
in the family of Nathaniel Tuthill, of Y 

AS A NEIGHBOR AND FRIEND — ^PUBLIC AND PRIVATE. 

Mr. Homan is a quiet, unloquacious man ; fond of re- 
tii"ement and his farm. He is regarded as a gentleman of 
unblemished principle and honor. What "Uncle Ed." 
says is never doubted. He is a man that always appears 
happy, and ongood terms with himself and the .world ; but 
few are aware of the clouds that sometimes shut out the 
cheering rays. 

He has a sister that for many long years has been a bed- 
ridden sufferer, and a burden to him. Hundreds of hard- 
earned dollars have poured into physicians' coffers for dear 
and apparently valueless advice and attention. 

Mr. Homan is an " old school '' gentleman — one of those 
paragons of solidity and uprightness. He received a clean 
record from his father, and will hand one down to his chil- 
dren. 

His father, Thomas Homan, reared a numerous family, 
and Edward' s brothers and sisters are scattered far and near 
over the land. He is the sixth or seventh child of a family 
of four sons and six daughters. Edward was the drone ; 
remained at home and "• took care of the old folks." He 
inherited the " old farm," together with the consolations of 



VAI'IIANK AN n I-. ,S| 

lieiiltli 1111(1 Jill iron coiistitutioii, iind an invali:] sister to 
support. He never murmurs. l)ut ])lo(ls steadily alont;. 
surmoantini!; interveninuj ohstru(;tioiis ])atiently. 

Mr. Ilomau possesses :i t't-i-tile farm, with <-onsi(Ieral)Ie 
wood-land; and is reputed i(» In- in •• comrortal)!!' cjiciim- 
stances." 

He lias hut two childnMi — a ^oii and dMiiiclil*'!. The 
former, like Joseph, is a "'son of old ai::e."* 

Mr. Honiaii depicts the scenes of his ( liiMho-.d uiih nn- 
feigned pleasure, delitrhts to recall IIih names of thos** that 
have faded in the ])ast. He smih's as lie ii,i-epts those long 
absent, who were young with liims.'lf : ;ind silently mourns 
as the faces of those he knew and loved in boyhood, fade 
from view. 

His vociferousness never will make him pojnilar or ex- 
<;eedingly ill-famous ; nor will his impetuosity make liim a 
man io ])e feared. He appreciates oratory and «^loqueiice 
equally as enthusiastically as E. L. Gerard, and w^ould be 
about as successful an orator or statesman. 

Nevertheless, like Mr. Gerard, his talents are equal to his 
business and calling. 

At home he is an examph^ for all fathers and husbands, 
and guards precisely his walks and talks. 

As a neighbor, he is cherished for his accommodating 
and honorable disposition. His virtues are not philanthrop 
ically or patriotically conspicuous, but appear ir^ a more 
laudable direction than if remarkable for public spirit. 



XVI. 
DOC. JAMES I. BAKER. 

PERSONAL — HIS EAKLY LIFE — TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS — 
A NEIGHBOR, FRIEND AND FARMER. 

In this connection I will introdnce Doc. James Irvin 
Baker, a very popular gentleman and pliysician. 

PERSONAL. 

Doc. Baker was born in 1829. He is forty-tive years old, 
and live feet ten inches in height, tall and gracefully pro- 
portioned. 

He studied and graduated in 1851 at the Albany Medical 
College. It may be added that his medical career has 
proved an enviable success, and an honor to that institu- 
tion. 

Few medical practitioners are more familiarly acquainted 
with the diverse changes and hardships that must harmon- 
ize, in the much-abused, and, sometimes, unappreciated 
art of successful medical practice, than Doc, James Baker ; 
and the number is still less who can gaze calmly back over 
twenty years of daily experience, and view a cloudless sky 
at the lapse of that period, a sky unclouded by the abuse 
that physicians, as a class, are compelled to eat with their 
porridge and blend with their pills. 

When Doc. Baker settled in Yaphank, in 1860, he was 
unknown — save by family relations — on Long Island. As 
is common with nearly every young physician's practical 
beginning, there are many fears to allay and doubts to 



VAIMIAM. \S II IS. 8H 

appease, Ix^ore the public will |»l:i<f ((nitidt'iicc mikI faith in 
newly-introdiu-ed tnleni . 

I)o<;. Baker met with :iiaiiy <»l»sla('le8 ; l)iit Ik- sur- 
momited :ill. and soon i^aiii -(In firm footiiiu- hy liis judviiowl- 
ed^'ed skill and jiulniii'ni. Prolessioiial prejudice iiatuially 
arose, and many sclii-mes were halcjied to cnish the " yonii^u- 
usurjiei/" I'lir III' I'liided till' intriniies, stood firmly at the 
wheel, and e\i'iitually saili-d into an "open sea." 

lie is I'very way (pialiiii-d lor his calliim-. lie lias talent, 
nerve and skill, lit- tonus a ])i-oiiiiosis (iiii(dvly and arru- 
rately. and is seldom misiini(h'd hy existinu' pioij;iiostics. 
A diagnosis, by .lann's Baker, is ii^enerally satisfactorily 

I'eceived liy the profr^sioii and till' plllilic. 

ins K.VKL^ LIFK TIJlALS A .\ I > TIMI \ll'll>. 

When sixteen yeais (»ld hi' l)Huan I'Mcliini^ srliool and 
studying medicine. The latter lie ])iirsued, in connection 
with teachinii', a poition of his time, liviiit; with his precep- 
tor and aiding- him in his practice dui"in<i; the time. 

In 1S41) he was matriculati'd into the University of the 
New York Medical Department, where he remained until 
March. JS.-)(>, when lie entered the All)any Medieval College ; 
an institution he considered preferable for ra))id and thor- 
ough advancenieiil. 

He graduated when but twenty-two years old, and imme- 
diately begiin business. Owing to hard work, exposure, etc., 
his health grew jnecarions, and he suffered re})eated attacks 
of bleeding from the lungs. He grew more and more 
])hysically miserable, and. in J8<)(), determined to abandon 
his profession. In accordance with his resolve, In^ disposed 
of his home, drug store, etc., and visited Long Island. 

His health ra])idly improved, and he again entered into 
his ardnous duties. His ])ulnionary attiiction vanished, 
and he became a hale and hearty man ; another verifica- 
tion that this is one of the healthiest sections in the wide, 
wide world. 



84 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

The incidents and events coherent witli Ids professional 
life are similar to those which must universally happen to 
all physicians engaged in a country practice, where the 
oracles of the dead language are expected to be surgeons, 
oculists, dentists, etc., etc., and to be prepared with all 
medicines, instruments, and the many mysteries that doc- 
tors generally carry about with them. They are expected 
to comply with all calls by day or night, rain or shine, and 
to unmurmuringiy undergo exposures, cares and anxieties. 

To enumerate one-quarter of the many amusing, sad and 
remarkable events attached to his record as a medical prac- 
titioner, would fill a small volume. 

The Doc. informed me that the only "Reminiscences of 
a Physician" he ever perused, and that ever gained much 
popularity, was published in London, and caused much 
trouble ; many persons believing that it alluded to them, 
notwithstanding fictitious names were used. 

The medical art is the most profound, sublime and classi- 
cal science extant ; but one can count with the fingers the 
names of men who have gained the goal of medical ambi- 
tion, and who stand pre-eminent among the clique. 

Quackery is startlingly prevalent, and the men are many 
who professionally mislead the unwary and innocent with 
delusive circulars, and ruin soul and body with patent 
poison. As long as people patronize these dabblers in life, 
and disregard the warnings and advice of family physicians, 
so long will a dubious cloud hover over this great science, 
and a deteriorating effect be seen. 

A NEIGHBOR, FRIEND AND FARIMER. 

To please "everybody" is an art few have acquired ; and 
to please one's self and "everybody else," is accomplished 
by still less. Doc. James Baker is one of those rare 
paragons of pleasantry. He is determined to please, to be 
agreeable and mirthful. 



Y A THANK AS IT IS, 85 

No one ever iiiteivicwed or wliilcd an evening with J)oc. 
Baker, without becoming captivated with liis ])h'asantry 
and liumor. 

He is always accostable and courteous, and he the sun 
in tile East or down in tlie West, lie always greets with a 
smile. 

He is a member of the Yaphank Presbyterian ('hurch, 
and has held many offices of trust and responsibility in the 
parish and town. 

Doc. Bakei' is an interesting companion, a pleasant 
iieigliboi". and a staunch friend. 

He is, certainly, a "self-made" man, and his pi-actice and 
wealth were secured l)y i)ers(jnal exertions. His success is 
a irnaiantee that '* where there's a will there's a wav." 



XVII. 
MORDECAI HOMAN. 

OFF FOR THE MINES — ADVENTUEES IN CALIFOENIA— SUC- 
CESS AND FAILURE — ON THE SEA AND LAND. 

Mordecai Homan was born in Yapliank, December 17th, 
1825. 

Probably no man that ever lived in Yapliank, or lives 
here at the present day, possesses a wider practical know- 
ledge of the world, than the subject of this chapter. 

He has circumnavigated the globe many times, and has 
experienced the frozen excitement i'urnished by the whale 
fishei'ies in the bleak Arctic. He has seen London in its 
glory, and Paris in its beauty ; is acquainted with the ups 
and downs of mining life, and familiar with the wild scenes 
in Australian mines and jungles. 

He visited California during the gold excitement, when 
the country swarmed with desperate men and loose charac- 
ters of all sorts, nations and color ; when muidering, i eb- 
bing, tighting, and gambling was the universal pastime, and 
mining the occupation. He has met desperate men on the 
sea and on the land, and mingled with murderers, counter- 
feiters, forgers, and villaiiious people of all nations ; Avith 
some of the most depraved characters that ever sailed the 
seas or stalked the land. Not by taste or preference did he 
associate with villains and hardened men, but as a natural 
consequence of an adventurous life. 

When whaling was a remunerative bnsiness he made a 
number of voyages to the frozen North ; but the fever soon 
subsided, and liis roving disposition allured him into newer 
fields of adventure. 



YAPHANK AS IT IS. 87 

Wlii'n hilt seventeen years old lie sailed for the icy seas ; 
but later in life we see hi in 

OFF FOR THI<: MINES. 

In 1840 h(\joinrd a stork company, which ])urchased the 
bark ship (inlindo, and sailed for San Franciscu). Arrivin<5 
there, the (company disposed of the ship and dispersed for 
tlie mines. 

Mordecai labored in the mountains a numhcr of years, 
when he was stricken down with the small-pox in a most 
malignant foini. 

lie was alon(^ in a half-barbarous country, prosti-ated by 
a deadly disease, and surrounded by cut-throats and bad 
men ; but hope never forsook him, and an iron constitution 
l)(U"e him through his terrible ordeal. 

He arose from his couch of misery emaciated and feebh^ ; 
but kind hands and kinder hearts came to his succor, and 
his wasted form grew robust and strong. After his illness, 
being unable to immediately enter the mines in consequence 
of j)hysical prostration, he "ke])t" store for the miners, 
&c., after which he sailed for Australia. There he worked 
in the vein a peiiod, going all through the Australian mines, 
and lemaining there about eleven months, when he sailed 
down the coast of Chili to Valparaiso. There he again 
sliipj)ed in the clijiper ship Mi.schteJ\, and set sail for China. 

The ship touched at San Francisco, where Mordecai met 
an old friend and was induced to again entvr the mines. 

ADVENTURES IN CALIFORNIA — SUCCESS AND FAILURE. 

Again he swung the pick and blasted for gold. He suf- 
fered many hardshi]»s and exposures; indeed, more than 
usually fell to his hardy companions. 

By his efforts he had amassed a snug little fortune, and 
began packing his provisions and effects from ihe moun- 
tains toward Trinidad, lie had packed and remained in an 
Indian encampment one night. The Indians appeared 



88 YAPTIxVNK Av«; IT IS. 

friendly, and gave him much salmon and other tokens of 
friendship. The encampment was composed of fifteen 
hundred warriors, wlio, a few days after, gathered in coun- 
cils of war. 

Mordecai saw that an ominous cloud was gatliering along 
the frontier, and, combined with the influences and opin- 
ions of prominent leaders, the company immediate!}^ started 
down the coast toward Trinidad. 

On the march they came upon and determined to encamp 
near rich diggings, although opposed by those who were 
aware of the intended Indian revolution and declaration of 
war. 

He left his three partners at the camp. They expected to 
bury their gold dust, provisions, &c.. and tlien follow to 
the mines. 

Mordecai was then prospecting with others, when a 
friendly Indian arrived and reported that the camjD had 
been attacked, and " all hands killed and robbed." Their 
arrival at the camp verified the sad news. The Indians had 
surprised the camp and butchered and robbed all. 

Mordecai not only was afflicted by the murdering of his 
partners, but lost seventy-flve hundred dollars in gold dust, 
seven pack mules, and fifteen hundred pounds of provi- 
sions. 

Two of his partners were killed outright, while the third 
— wounded and dying — had dragged his mutilated body 
into concealment. 

He was rescued, but died soon after. The miners then 
consolidated and moved directly toward Trinidad. They 
met a body of soldiers on the march up the mountains, who 
were sent to their aid simultaneously with the flrst war- 
whoop- 

Mordecai and many other miners entered the rauks, and 
returned to flght the dusky foe. 

The incidents connected with his participation in the In- 
dian war are to numerous to record. He assisted in de- 
molishing Indian villages, destroying their crops, &c., and 



VAIMIANK AS IT IS. 89 

tlieii retunied with tliL' band to Tiiiiiilad. and thence to San 
Francisco. 

In 1S56 he sailed for Ins Island home, havinji; passed seven 
years in the wilds of California and Australia ; meetin«r 
success and failure, sickness and exposure ; and passing 
through adventures and escapes that would fill a volunif of 
thrilliiii;- events. 

PERSONAL. 

Mr. Homan is about forty-nine years old — crippled and 
prematurely broken down. His memory is rich in reminis- 
cences of travel and adventure, which makes him an inter- 
esting conversationist. He is not egotistical, and is seldom 
the "hero'' of hair-breadth escapes and bloody encoun- 
ters. He is a thorough sailor and a superior navigator. 
His heart and kingdom are upon the ''deep blue," and 
his love for excitement grows more enthusiastic as he sails 
down the tide of life. He probabl}' will leave liis])oot8 at 
sea. 

He is decidedly abrupt and unceremonious in his speech ; 
hut '• if he stumhles with his tongue, it is tli»' head iliat's 
wrong, and not the lit^art tliat go<'S astray." 








EDWARD HENRY S. HOLDEN, M. D. 



will. 

EDWARD IIKNUY S. IIOLDKX, L. M., M. MS., N. Y. 

HIS MOUAL AND SCIENIIFIf" WORTH — Ills UKCOMMKNDA - 
TION — A RKVIKW. 

HIS MURAL AM) SCIKXIII'K WolITH. 

I liiMitiit tlmt T cannot grant tlie space and time to tliis 
sketch of a tiuly learned and ])0]nilar trcntlcman and pliy- 
siciaii, that liis woith and acquirements certainly deserve. 

To say that Dr. Edward Hoi den is a true gentleman and 
scholar, would be to reiterate the oft-r<^peated declaintions 
of his admireis and patrons. Not only a physician hy 
title, hut virtually a su(^cessful, gifted and thorough M. ]). 
The great men of his profession in England and AnK^rica, 
feel proud in ranking him a peer. In the halls of learning 
in tlie City of New York — everywhere wliere doctors of 
high standing are wont to assemble — Dr. Holden is gladly 
welcomed and appreciated for his profound h^arning. His 
most intimate relations with such eminent membeis of the 
fiaternity as James R. Wood, Lewis A. Sayre, AVillard 
Parker, and William Detmold. and man}- others of the 
first rank, is an nnquestionabh' passport. 

But he relies not upon his high standing among the great 
men of his profession to advance his success and public 
favoi', for, I can say with authority, that no })hysician on 
Long Island — outside of Brooklyn — is better qualified as a 
doctor of medicine than Edward H. S. Holden. 

TIIS IIECOMMENDATION. 

He came not to underrate, disparage, or depreciate 
others, to establish himself in the good graces of the pub- 



94 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

lie ; but with tlie bright hiurels of his public examination 
still blooming, and the voices of his English admirers and 
classical collegiates bidding him God speed to the free 
shores of the New World, where honor and emolument 
awaited him. 

How proud am I, tliat to me was accorded the honor of 
penning this miniature sketch of a truly talented, but not 
sufficiently appreciated scholar. Dr. Holden is the author 
of many beautiful sentiments in prose and verse, and the 
varied culture of his mind is illustrated by the diversified 
talents of the men he once loved to gather around him. 
His nature is true and sympathetic, but untinged by any 
sickliness of taste. He is a critical, dispassionate commen- 
tator on the great questions of the day, with a mind that 
cannot be shaken by political storms. How common place 
and dim the brilliancy of preceding chapters appear, when 
I consider the contents before me. 

A REVIEW. 

Edward Henry S. Holden was born in Birmingham, War- 
wick Co., England, on the 9th day of April, 1801. His parents 
were Richard and Ann S. Holden. He is five feet and two 
inches in height, slight in build, and almost feminine in his 
physical development. 

Three score years and ten have sprinkled his hair with the 
silvery emblems of old age, and his stooping form predicts 
a sure decline of the physical man. 

In imagination we Avill tread back through the hazy past 
of seventy years, in England, and dwell over the events of 
his boyhood. 

His fourth to seventh years were passed at boarding 
school in his native county, in the acquisition of the arts of 
spelling, reading and English grammar. 

On the completion of his seventh year, his uncle being- 
one of the governors of Christ's Hospital, London, he en- 
tered the classical department, under the Rev, Drs. Arthur 



YAPHANK AS IT IS. 95 

W. Trollopo and V. W . Fniiiklin, wlx^re he pursued the study 
of tlie Latin and Greek Languages, with a view to tlie derioal 
profession, but, on the completion of his fifteenth year, be- 
ing dissuaded, ht^ abandoned the intention of studying The- 
oh)gy, and left the institution. 

After some months' deliberation, he eagerly resolved to 
adopt the proft^ssion of medicine, for which purpose he 
went to Bath, and began his studies under the tuition of 
Surgeon Walker, a former pupil of Surgeon Baynton. 

lie there enjoyed the most cordial friendship of the 
highly accomplislied scholar and Judicious physician, Doc. 
Caleb Ilillier Parry, to whose scientific attainments he is 
indebted for much information, both of a im-dical and liter- 
ary character. 

Before the expiration of his second pupilage year, he had 
formed an attachment for a young lady, whose parents were 
desirous of breaking off the growing affection because of 
her extreme youth. 

Young Holden deferred the study of medicine for a sea- 
son, and returned to London, where his father then resided, 
and engaged in the counting-house of an eminent commer- 
cial firm until the close of the year 1821. On the 2r)th day 
of February, 1822, banns having been previously published 
in due form, he was married by Rev. J. W. Bellamy, D. D., 
at St. Mar^-'s Abb. Churcli, to Ann Margaret Gladstone, 
granddaughter of Sir John Gladstone, formerly of New- 
castle, England, and sailed from London at the end of May 
in tlie same year, in the ship Acasta, of the Griswold line, 
bound for New York, where they arrived on Saturday, 
July IHth. 

The yellow fever appeared very soon after his arrival in 
the great metropolis of the New World, which, causing an 
interruption to business, made it imprudent to engage in 
any permanent occupation. 

The following year he opened a drug store, wjiich he 
steadily attended till the month of March, 1826, when he 
resumed his favorite study, by entering the office of Doc. 



96 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

Alexander H. Stevens, Professor of Surgery in the old Col- 
lege of Physicians and Surgeons, in Barclay street, at which 
college he matriculated, and attended the lectures of all the 
professors during 1828 and 1829. 

In the Spring of 1830 he presented himself before the 
President and Censors of tlie Medical Society for examina- 
tion. 

Those gentlemen, to testify their appreciation of the 
promptness and correctness of his replies to every question 
propounded to him, proposed to honor him by a public ex- 
amination in the hall of the college, to whicli he readily as- 
sented. Thus, on the 15th of February, 1830— date of 
his diploma — Doc. Holden verified, to the satisfaction of 
all, his profound and extensive learning, and the remark- 
able adaptability of his genius to the great science, of 
which he is an honorable and superior representative. He 
was then admitted as a member of the Medical Society of 
the City and County of New York, in 1832. 

After practising in New York Cit}^ (with the exception of 
two years — one in Washingtonville, Orange County, and 
one in Troy) — from 1830 to 1850, he moved to Holbrook, 
L. I., where he remained three years. He then moved to 
Middle Island, remaining there until May, 1858, when he 
moved to the Manor ; from which place he moved — Novem- 
ber of the same year — to East Moriches. There he lived 
until November, 1859, at which period he moved to Yap- 
hank. where he^till resides. 

His wife — now in her eighty-third year -was afflicted, be- 
tween two and three years ago, with a severe and danger- 
ous illness of six weeks' duration, which left her in so de- 
bilitated a condition that she has never regained her previ- 
ous degree of health. 

Of a family composed of three sons and two daughters, 
only one survives, the Rev. Robert Holden, an Episcopal 
clergyman, and Rector of Trinity School, New York City. 

Doctor Holden may well feel proud of such a noble son. 
The old gentleman has not long to gaze upon the bright 



YAPHANK AS IT IS. 07 

things of this hind, for wt^if^ht of y^ars is bejiriug him down, 
and the sinih^s of the gt^nia! okl man must soon fade ; but 
how sweet will be the consolation of his declining years, to 
know that when he is summoned to go. and the im])]acable 
sword of death shall sever the brittle band that holds to this 
vale of t^ars, his name will still be borne ; aye, borne up- 
ward to honor :ind distinction in tln' estimation of his ft'llow- 
men. 

The pillow of death will be softened, and the agonies al- 
layed, by the sweet voicH<»f a tranquil conscience. 

Tranquil, because his ])almy days are o'er, and no cloud 
bedims their gh>ry ; peaceful, because he ever drank the 
gall liiinseir. and gave the sweetened honey. No thorns 
will be gatheied with his harvest of roses, and no troubled 
conscience will mar tlii^ long, long sleep. 

Soon the bitter words of foes will be forgotten, and the 
taunts of enemies will cease over the grave. With me, the 
little world of Yaphank will ever speak with reverence of 
the man who was too good to be rich, too great to be in an- 
tli(»j-ity, and too learned to be fully appreciared. 



XIX. 

NATHANIEL TUTHILL. 

MR. TUTHILL's business — HIS BENEVOLENCE. 

Nathaniel Tuthill was born at West Wading River, 
Brookliaven Town, January 22, 1797. 

He is the fourth child and second son of Nathaniel and 
Elizabeth Tuthill. His mother's maiden name was Skid- 
more. She was an ambitious woman, and inculcated upon 
Nathaniel's mind much that has been of service to him. 

From his boyhood everything was regarded secondary 
by Nathaniel, but money. When a lad he would play tru- 
ant from the district school to earn a few dimes by doing- 
chores and cutting wood in the forests that surrounded his 
early home. Tliose principles became habitual, and were 
indelibly stamped upon his mind, and he grew to be a 
man with the detei-mination to be rich. 

He worked upon his fatlier's farm until twenty-two years 
old ; he then went to what is now Baiting Hollow. There 
he and his brother Benjamin labored ; they inherited a fer- 
tile farm, and the well-known Conumgum Mills. 

In the Spring of the year 1819 he exchanged the farm 
with his brother for the old mills, and by the operation 
made one thousand dollars. 

During the same year he sold part of the mills to John 
Buckingham, and the remaining portion to Richard Tuthill, 
his cousin, in 1820. 

During the Summer of 1820 he wandered about, like Mr. 
Micawber, "waiting for something to turn up." The busi- 
ness "turn up" was not accommodatingly profitable, and 



VAIMIA.NK AS IT IS. 99 

lie i-etiiiiicd to l^iiitiiiL; Hollow in that Fall am! jHiicliased 
back tlic faini IVom liis Itrotlicr. 

As usual, Ik' made uiout-y by tlif oj)i'i;itioii. ami as in 
busiut'ss, so in lo\>*, lie was icinaikably siKrcessful. 

lb' nianif'd in the year 18"i8, and caini' to live and dii' in 
Ya])liank. 

Ml-. Tutliill is about seventy -seven years old, above in id- 
die IhMLrht. and a uood ty])t' of tlie solid old nn-n of his 
linn'. 

He has tlw hii;ut* bone and ratln'r loosely-knit banif of thr 
Loiiii" Island farmer. A narrow, small, but intellectual face*, 
relined away from its rui^Gieder prototype, and that cleanly 
shaven lace and ])owfrrul frame peculiai- to that class of 
men w ho believe in race and brawn. He is a I'apid talker, 
and one that com})relieiids the miiihty power of words. 

There is no idejilism in Mr Tutliill : and no poetical or 
romantic sentiment ever i-etlected in his composition. 

He may scm* the blue sky. the majestic mountain, the 
tlashin<; cascade, the tender Hower bloominii- u]ion the iu- 
hosi)itable hillside, l)ut he strives not to fathom the ,<i:reat 
and mysterious lesson the\ teach. He will perceive more 
beauty in a gold dollar, m- a fine herd of cattle, than (;an be 
reflected from all the tender tlowers and flashing cascades 
in ( 'hiisteiidom. 

Mr. Tutliill is an old man. and the sands of his eventful 
life are fast running out. It would not be startling if it 
were soon said that he were dead. 

His wealth is signally identified with his life, but mav 
the gold thtit is tried in the lire be identified with his 
deatii I 

He is reputed to be worth nearly seveiity-tive thous.ind. 

Years of practical ex])erienoe with the world have sharp- 
ened his shrewd, keen intellect, and made him a wealthy 
man. 

He is a bland, pleasing man, seldom losing that aggra- 
vating equilibriiini of mind and piirjiose that make men 
successful in the trafhckini; world. 



100 YAPHATSTK AS IT IS. 

While others are plunged into chaos, lie retains a stolid 
indifference. Soft words of honeyed sweetness fall from 
his well-oiled tongue, thus paving a facile entrance into all 
hearts. 

If a man has a bargain to give away he knows he can 
find a "taker" in Nat. Tuthill. Men who are "cramped" 
in business, and want mone}^ and who are willing to grant 
a liberal bonus, interview Mr. Tuthill. 

He is a far-seeing business man. He knows that men 
enter into undertakings that are too much for them. He 
watches their movements, he marks the rocks in the channel, 
and when the crisis comes he blandly offers aid. 

Bankruptcy, disgrace and abuse loom up before their 
bright dreams ; they accept his proffered kindness, and are 
fast within his toils. 

A young man just launching his frail bark in life re- 
ceives little encouragement from Nat. Tuthill. He points 
to his own record, and smilingly advises " To root or die." 
He little thinks that deey) down in some heaits is written 
the secret of his success. Men look upon his hoary head 
and bent form and exclaim, " There goes the shrewdest man 
in Brookhaven Town." It is music in his ears ; he delights 
to be known as cunning in trade, and as " a rich man." 

He has confidence in his own ability. In his own lan- 
guage, he "lays his plans, and makes them work." 

Those who deal with him seldom request a compromise. 
His ways are not obvious, and a mist hovers over his whole 
life. 

A gentleman soliciting alms for a religious purpose came 
to Mr. Tuthill for aid. He subscribed twenty -five cents, 
and a laborer in his employ gave one dollar. Twenty-five 
cents is, apparently, his fixed charitable donation. 

Nat. Tuthill is the poorest rich man in Yaphank. If he 
creates odium by his actions, he smiles upon the wound, 
and vanishes hatred by odoriferous words. 

Everywhere he is regarded as the same comprehensive 
and penetrating man ; possessing astute and sagacious 
judgment. 



YAPIIANK AS IT IS. TOl 

During tlie religious nnival ol" February, 1870, Mr. T ut- 
hill became deeply inijiressed. lie bowed before the altar 
among a chaotic crowd, and mingled his tears with tin- 
young conveits. 

April IG, 1870, he Joined the Presbyterian Chuicli. and 
his sins were washed away {{) Four years have elapsed, 
and that great showering of the Divine Sj)irit is still fresh in 
the memory of our people. Thirty professed to have bidden 
farewell to the vain things of earth, and donned the robes 
of Christianity. Where is the wheat of that beautifid har- 
vest '^ Why are the sujjplications that rang in *7o dying 
in '74 ( 'Tis on<' of the iinexjihiint'd mysteries of Vaphaid-c. 

MR. TUTHILl/s Bl'SINESS. 

He has been a farnu^r all liis life, and l)y close attention 
to business, has acquired wealth amounting to many thou- 
sand dollars. Mr. Tuthill is a poj)ular vctciinary surgeon, 
and has Jiuide more money at that branch of his business 
than on his farm. 

•• I'licle Nat." is acknowlnlgcd authority ')n all tlie mys- 
teri(^s pertaining to the agricultural art. and his counsel is 
eagerly sought. He takes delight in tine stock, and reiter- 
ates with pleasure the remarkable weights his aiumals have 
attained. 

When he married his wife lie married a tine faim and 
considerable property annexed. 

In the old farm-house where he lives, lived and died the 
lamented Isaac Mills. Mr. Mills was his father-in law% and 
com})lained n)ucli of Nathaniel's severity to him. 

Although the broad, rich fields were "Uncle Isaac's," 
and although he reared the roof above his head, he enjoyed 
little fruit of his labor. In the person of his son-in-law 
came a dictator, and when his daughter was led to the altar 
'• Uncle Isaac's " happiness was blighted upon the bunch 
of matrimonial sweets. 

As a veterinary surgeon, Mr. Tuthill has realized some 
success, but any success at all grants a ])remiuni to ignor- 



102 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

ance. How a man with no theoretical knowledge of an art, 
and meagre education to achieve success, practically, can 
succeed is a scientific enigma, 

HIS BENEVOLENCE, 

Like his wealthy neighbors, Mr, Tuthill is not public- 
spirited, and he bestows as much upon religious advance- 
ment as upon other enterprises where his personal interest 
is not concerned. 

While conversing with a friend he remarked that, if it 
were possible for him to " step back'' thirty years, and still 
retain his knowledge of money-getting, that he could rear a 
colossal fortune. 

How inexorable is the law of Nature ! How blessed it is 
that the rich and the, poor, the triumphant and the op- 
pressed, must all take equal chances in the lotteiy of life I 
The rich man must finally bid adieu to the land of gold and 
lie down as low as the plebeian. Wealth inay make one 
famous, but a great man must be good. The emoluments 
earned in life will fade from the tablet of memory, but honor 
and principle will endure forever. 

ALEXANDER SMITH 

is a colored compeer of Frederic Douglas, in Mr. Tuthill' s 
employ at the present writing. 

How true the words of a popular writer, " That in many 
unknown giaves lie the mouldering mortality of men who 
could have startled the world, liad the blessed ways and 
means been proffered them." 

How many great minds are living in obscurity today, 
who require only the little accident to burst open the bud 
of their latent talents. 

How many men— black and white— haveloomed up amid 
the stately hills of New England, and made their names 
way-marks in the world. How many sturdy lads have left 
the plow, the lap-stone, and the anvil, to cross swords in 



YAPHANK AS IT IS. 103 

martial t]:loiy, and to dictate tile laws of the Innd in their 
walks and talks with men. 

Frederick Donglas' youthful attainments were no more 
])romisino: than tlie colored subject of this sketch. Those 
who are acquainted with the character I have the holdiiess 
to present, will probably laugh at the variety of my com- 
])osition of this work, but must a(;knowledge the moral 
su})<'riority of my sul/jtM-t to others who ])()ssess whiter ex- 
teriors. 

There is no regal road to fame, and no loyal covering to 
budding greatness. 

Alexander Smith was born at Coram, Long Island, Dec. 
inth, 1849. H<' came to Mr. Tuthill's when but five years 
old. He has a brother and sister living. There is not a 
family in all Yaphank but welcome him as a friend. The 
])eople honor and countenance him ])ecausH of his uncom- 
monly excellt'Ut disposition and character, Although the 
slave of one of the most exacting men in Brookliaven Towm, 
he stands upon a whiter reputation than my preceding 
subject. 

He has wonderful inventive faculties, and he offered to 
wager that he could properly adjust all the complicated 
and complete parts of a steam engine, however distributed. 

He is a working member of the Presbyterian Church, and 
is respected everywhere as an upright and honorable man. 

It is not presum])tu()us in predicting for him a brighter 
future than usually falls to the luminaries of his dark race. 



XX. 
AUGUSTUS FLOYD, E^^q. 

THE DESCENDANT OF A NOBLE FAMILY — IIIS PERSONAL AP 
PEAIIANCE — HIS ECCENTRIC AND RETIRED LIFE — A BRIEF 
SKETCH. 

Familiar and cherished is the ancient farnil_v name of 
Floyd. From Gen. William Flo,yd, one of the revolution- 
ary heroes, down to the present period, the name has been 
prominently before the people of Long- Island, and espe- 
cially of Suffolk ('0unt3^ 

The Floyds are a dignified and noble family, and their 
lineage bears connection with a proud and hauglity people, 
who tiourished during the reign of the warlike George. 

Back, far back in the past of oht England, tlie same aris- 
tocratic blood coursed through veins of men whose illus- 
trious names have been swallowed uj) in the vortex of time. 

Augustus is a peculiar looking man. One might travel 
from Maine to Texas and never ni(^et a face that would 
closel}'^ resemble liis. In his facie are the fading lineaments 
of departed nobility. In the Houses of Lords and (yom- 
mons he would easily appear as a dignitary who had passed 
from the excitements of parliamentary life into the gold 
and silver seclusion of an English noi)leman's retirement. 

Mr. Floyd makes a coniidante of but few, and lie greets 
strangers with jealous coldness. His connections with the 
outside world are through reliable agents, and men whose 
family relationship secure his conlidence. 

He was long an honorable practitioner at the New York 
bar, anda coiispiciious luiiiinaiv among his legal associates. 



YAPHANK AS IT IS. 105 

His chronic deafness forced liim to exchange the bright 
prospects of his profession for Uw quiet sweets of a village 
delitescency. For many years he was slightly "hard of 
hearing,'" but the disease gradually assumed a more aggra- 
vating form, and tiiially culminated in his abandonment of 
a remunerative and popular profession. 

Mr. Floyd was born at Mastic, in this town, in 179^, and 
came to Yapliank in 1849. 

Mastic is, and was, the country home of some of the first 
men of the country. There Gens. Nathaniel Woodhnll 
and William Floyd — prominent in revolutionary time — 
erected homes, and commuted the grim excitements of the 
great struggle for independence, for tlie rustic enjoyments 
furnished by the shores of the Great South Bay. There 
lived Col. Floyd, and there grew up around him a talented 
and successful family. Among them the Hon. David G. 
Floyd, a brother of Augustus, and the po})ular Judge, 
John Floyd, another brother. 

David G. Floyd and the Hon. William Sidney Smith, of 
Longwood, were the representatives from Suttbld Co., in 
the Assembly, in 1856, and old Sufifblk was never better 
lepresented. 

Mr. Floyd lives a very retired life in Ya})liaiik, and it is 
seldom that the footsteps of a stranger break the routine of 
his privacy. 

It is difficult to gain any information fiom him regarding 
the ups and downs of his life, and his phjsical misfortune 
places him uncongenially with the villagers. 

Men, like Mr. Floyd, who h;ive figured much in the l)ust 
ling world, always have interesting liistoiies ; but, of all 
men, they are generally the most ditficult to approach upon 
matters connected wnth their lives, and never endeavor to 
conceal their hereditary abhorience of informing the public 
about their concerns. Their stolid exteriors veil the trials 
and triumphs of busy intercourse with the world, and the 
humble and honored are ever minus their experience in the 
field of enterprise. 



106 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

Richard M. Baylis, in his elaborate sketches of Suffolk 
County, dwells interestingly, in a semi-biographical sketch, 
upon the lives of Mr. Floyd's most illustrious progenitors. 
Indeed, it would be apprising my readers of what they 
must already know, to say that Augustus Floyd is highly 
connected, and bears a family name that leads limpid and 
untarnished to an ancestor who lived and died in the palmy 
days of England' s great men. 

He never participates in our village undertakings, never 
appears at public gatherings, and is seldom seen upon the 
street. 

His circle of acquaintances and friends is limited to the 
members of a few families in highest standing, and he con- 
verses freely with but few. 

To the ''gentle ones" I would say that Mr. Floyd has 
never borne Hymen's galling cliains, and his days are 
whiled in "single blessedness." What will establish him 
more charmingly in their estimation, is the extent of his 
wealth. What he is actuall}^ worth I have not the author- 
ity to declare, and even a hazarding estimation could not 
be received as satisfactory. It is generally known that his 
possessions consist principally in money investments, but 
it is as absolutely unknown to what extent and where in- 
vested. 

In person he is tall, spare, and decidedly unpreposses- 
sing. He dresses carelessly, and without artistic taste. He 
walks with a sweeping gait, looks down at the ground, and 
pays but little attention to what is transpiring around him. 

With his books and correspondence he spends the princi- 
pal portion of his time, and he sups and dines when 
nature prompts him, be it at midnight or otherwise. 

He gives but little to charity, and his subscriptions to 
local institutions are seldom marked for their munificence. 

Mr. Floyd is far down the shady side of life, and for 
nearly four score years has experienced the alternate clouds 
and sunshine which form the wormwood and honey of a 
life. 




GEORGE FRANKLIN THOMPSON. 



(;k()K(;k Fl^\^■KlJ^■ Thompson. 

MIS c/IAMI ICATIONS AS A lU'SINESS MAN — A \V(»KI> In rUE 
(iENTLK ONES — HIS PEOIDEJ) S'l Kl'S. 

This <:;('ntl('iiian was l)()iii in llcnipslead. Queens Co., 
September TOtli, 1852. 

Altlioiigli )>iit twenty-two years of age. he has had a 
liberal experience in the world, and has acquired an accu- 
rate understanding of what men must undergo to enjoy 
success. 

When but a lad he was apju'enticed to Thomas Calister, 
of Brushville, Queens Co., a can-iage manufacturer, where 
he became an excellent painter, and garnered many ideas 
of business life- 

Of a family composed of eleven childien — three of which 
are dead — George is the eighth child and third son. 

His parents are good, substantial, every-day people, and 
rejoice in a family of stirring, energetic children. 

HIS QUALIEICATIONS AS A BUSINESS MAN. 

George has a ready intellect, and a quick perception that 
is reliable and peculiarly adapted to his ])r()fession. Jle is 
attentive and civil in his dealings with men. and "knows 
how to makt^ money." The ])ublic is a contributor to his 
pocketbook, and he is determined to please. 

When beginning in life, he made the resolutions to be in 
dustrious, and to nevei- gamble or drink liquoi-. 

lie went steadily to work to learn a trade foi- iiiniself. 
Was frugal, industrious, and attentive. He has good 



110 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

health, good prospects, and an inflexible j^urpose to bear 
him onward. Such a man need never fear the frowns of the 
world, or the cold billows tliat beat and dash the best. 

His good mother is a christian educator to her children, 
and their good standing in the world is sacred to her heart. 

A WORD TO THE GENTLE ONES. 

Mr. Thompson is a young man, unmarried, with pleasing- 
manners and address. Altliougli very young, lie is a repre- 
sentative man. The best society in Yaphank is pleased to 
welcome him, and he is regarded as a young man of un- 
questionable character and standing, with a prosperous 
future before him. 

As yet, Mr. Thompson is without the all-important rib, 
and is a magnet of unusual value. He is considered quite 
a " ladies' man," and they are undeniably earnest in their 
declarations of his being " real nice.'" 

He seems indifferent, however, about the absorbing sub- 
ject of matrimony, and is apparently more enthusiastic over 
fortunate speculations than the beauty and virtue of wo- 
men and their paraphernial fixtures, 

HIS DECIDED STEP. 

When Samuel Smith died, his shop and business was 
idle, and the "stand'" was a prosperous and much coveted 
one. Mr. Thompson saw the excellent opportunity, and 
purchased the shop and all connected therewith. 

He makes his own money, minds his own business, and 
is polite, cheerful, and honorable. People patronize him 
because he and his work can be relied upon. Mr. Smith 
gave much satisfaction, but Mr. Thompson gives more. 

The flattery of the world never confirms his belief that 
he is altogether bad, nor does he heed abuse. 

Some of his happiest hours are passed with his gun and 
dog. He is a splendid marksman, and a true appreciator 
of athletic humanity. 



YAIMIAXK AS IT IS. Ill 

Although very young, lie is a lepresentiitive man. The 
best society in Yaj)hank is pleased to welcomes him, and he 
is regarded as a young man of unquestionable good charac- 
ter, witli a pr()S])erous future before him. 

Panics may shake the country to its business centre, tin- 
reverses may throw the business men into chaos, but there 
will always be an ()p])ortunity for such as Mr. Thompson. 
He keeps his own counsel, is driving, far-secung and stir- 
ring. 

It is but natural that one should ])icrurea pleasing future 
for Mr. Thomi)Son. A loving wife and a pltMsant hohie are 
the double j)ortion he deserves. 



XXII. 
ALFRED RETD. Sr. 

AN orphan's struggle — BEGINS BUSINESS — A FINANCIAL 
CRASH — PERSONAL. 

Mr, Reid was born, June 25th, 1822. 

His parents. James and Sarah Reid. wei-e steady, indus- 
trious people, but death separated him from their kind, 
parental attention wlien he was very 3^0 ang. 

AN orphan's STRUGGLK. 

When tliree ynars of age, he was deprived of a kind moth- 
er' s care, and to his indulgent father he tnrnedin his youth- 
ful grief. But the fates were plotting against him, and in 
October of 1834 his father died. 

Without a cheering word to buoy his anguished heart, he 
plunged lonelj^ and inexperienced into tlie angry sea of ad- 
versity and affliction. 

But few stopped to soothe the orphan' s trials, and he 
earned, his bread at various callings until the close of the 
year 1835, when he became an indentured apprentice to the 
upholstering business. 

At that he served three years and a half, when the firm 
became bankrupt from the effects of the great panic and 
business revulsions of 1837 ; at which time he bought his 
indentures for the balance of the term he was bound to serve. 

Being well advanced in his trade, he labored at journey 
work — earning from three to seven dollars per day — until 
the year 1840, when he engaged for one year with a Mr. 
Charles Irving, to take instructions at the bench as cabinet 
maker. 



TAPHANK AS IT IS. 113 

BEGINS BUSINP:8S. 

At the expiration of that time, lie arlmitted liis brother as 
partner, and they began nianufacturiiig sofas for old Tom 
Bell, the great auctioneer of Fulton street, at that time. 

They continued that branch one year, when they opened 
a wareroom in Bleecker street. New York City. Business 
not prospering to Alfred's satisfaction, and for other causes 
of a private nature, he withdrew from the firm. 

He again began at his trade, working for Mr. Abial W. 
Swift, packing his work by contract, and hiring his own 
assistants. 

He continued in Mr. Swift's employ until that gentleman 
sold his interest to John Meads, of Albany, when he en- 
gaged to Mr. Meads for two years. 

By that time he had accumulated about five thousand 
dollars, and he immediately established a wholesale furni- 
ture house at .SO Essex street, in April, 1853. 

In 1846 he had married a daughter of Nathaniel H. Van 
Winkle, with wiiom he has ever lived happily. 

He continued his business at 36 Essex street until the 
year 1857, when he sold out, and bought property at 53 
Bowery, where he remained in the furniture business until 
the breaking out of the Great Rebellion. 

A FINANCIAL CRASH. 

When the bombardment of Fort Sumpter began, Mr. 
Reid left his elegant home in the morning, a wealthy man, 
and came back at night penniless. Over sixty thousand 
dollars he lost in the period of twenty-four hours. War 
severed all concurrent or reciprocal action with his debtors 
in the South, and to this day he has not received the small- 
est percentage of his dues. 

He groaned under the cruel load for a short time, but at 
last tottered and fell ; went down again to his small begin- 
ning ; went down as many strong men have gone, without 
hope of recovery. 



114 YAPHANK AS IT 18. 

He returned to his trade as a journeyman, exchanged 
his colossal home and beautiful furniture, in a fashionable 
part of the city, for a humble home and humble fare in 
Tremont, Westchester County. 

That house he soon exchanged for his pleasant home in 
Yaphank, where he now resides. 

Reverses came upon Mr. Reid like thunderbolts from a 
cloudless sky. His health grew precarious, and life be- 
came blacker and blacker to him. A fortune lost in a day ! 
A home among the elite to-day, and a humble cottage out 
of town to-morrow, all are features of business reverses in 
New York. 

PERSONAL. 

Trouble and ill-health have broken him down ; his hair 
is grey, his constitution shattered, and his cheerful laughter 
seldom heard. 

He is a superior conversationalist, and always has a 
pleasing fund of anecdote, humor and intercourse with the 
busy world. 




JAMES HUGGINS WEEKS- 



XXIII. 
.lAMES HUGGINS WEEKS. 

HIS EARLY IlIsrOUY — AS A ILMLIiOAl) MAN — I'KUSONAL — 
HIS KAKLV msTOKY. 

Mr. Weeks was bom in tlie city of New York. July 28tli, 
1798. He was tlie son of James Weeks, a nieicliaiit in tliat 
city. 

At an early ai;e In- l)eii;an attending select s(;hool in tiiat 
(uty, and altlioUij;li educational advantages were more prim- 
itive, and classical privileges less extensivt* than now, he 
began the study that culminated in a sound business 
education . 

In 1808, his })art'nts moved from New^ York to Oyster 
Bay, Long Island, and took up their residence n})on the old 
paternal farm. There young James continued his studies 
in the Oyster Bay Academy, then under the supervision of 
Rev. Marmaduke Earle. 

In 1818 he married Susan Maria, the second daughter of 
Major William Jones, of Cold Spring Harbor. Long Island, 
residing priiK^ipally in Oyster Bay until the year 1827. At 
the expiration of that year, he moved to Yaphaiik, having 
previously ])urchased a large tract of land — a portion of 
Col. Smitli's ])atent. In 1836, in conjunction with William 
Sidney Smith and Robert H. Geiard, he purchased*the old 
Homan Mills, and erected a new and commodious one upon 
the site of the old one. 

Mr. Weeks' land estate is extensive. His farm isjiroduc- 
tive and valuable, and his acres of thrifty timbei- land are 
many. He has suffered much from repeated tires, and the 
damage he sustained is considerable. 



118 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

There is a system of cleanliness and exactness about 
everything Mr. AVeeks supervises, and his farm and build- 
ings are models of neatness. 

AS A RAILROAD MAN. 

In 1834 a project was started by some prominent men in 
the city of New^ York to build a railroad from Brooklyn to 
Greenport. 

Mr. Weeks early took a strong interest in the promotion 
of the scheme, and was one of the Commissioners named in 
the charter for receiving subscriptions for the capital stock. 

In 1846 he was elected a director of the road, and in 1847 
was chosen president — continuing in that office until 1850. 

He has also been a trustee of Brookhaven Town for four 
consecutive years, a commissioner of highways, and filled 
other positions. 

PERSONAL. 

Mr. Weeks is a man of the day ; fully up to the develop- 
ments around him. 

The record of his life-work is one that may be studied 
with advantage by every one possessing sufficient spirit of 
emulation to wish to learn the true secret of successful lives. 
The undoubted success which he has achieved appears due 
to the healthy, vigorous mental and physical education he 
received. He has a wide-awake, practical knowledge of 
the live questions that concern the world of to-day, and a 
sound judgment of his own, which he ever reserves. 

Mr. Weeks has but little sympathy for the struggling 
masses ; possesses a calm, even temperament, with no love 
for notoriety, and no patience with any truckling for popu- 
lar applause, and no greed for the honors of office. 

His public life has been marked with judicious actions, a 
firm conviction of his own ability, and a clear comprehen- 
sion of public policy and not civic rule. He and the Hon. 
William Sidney Smith wielded fgreat and acknowledged 
influence during their active connection with the Long 



YAPIIANK AS IT IS. HO 

Island Railroad, and Mr. Weeks' administration was a 
successful and prosperous one. 

Mr. Weeks has a spirit that was born to lead as well as 
to follow, and is nearly coherent with tluif class of men who 
are "born to command." 

Few men have a better understanding of political and 
])rivate economy than hn ; and he is a gentleman of quiet 
l)ut most genial numners, always true to his convictions of 
dut}'^, and vny efficient in his quiet l)ut usually successful 
su])port of his idt\as. 

He lives a])art from the village and tin- woild in a beauti- 
ful home, whose greatest cliarm is a loving wifn, who, for 
over half a century of years, has walked the sunset way 
with him. 

Mrs. Weeks is a rehned and acc()m})lisli.'d lady, and is 
iiighly conni'cted. She is a sister of Mrs. William Sidney 
Smith, a lady of refined and cultivated mind and manners, 
and the mother of a noble and talented family. 

Mr. Weeks never boasts of his wealth. Iiis position in life, 
or of his aocomplishments. Hi^ is a thorough business 
man, and wastes no time in useless debate oi- parley. 

From the N'ew York Times of Sept. 20, 1866, is extracted 
the following account of a daring attempt to rob Mr. Weeks, 
in his home at Yaphank. The s})irited and business-like 
way in which Mr. Weeks usually disposes of difficulties, 
will be evidently apparent in the Time£ description, which 
is as follows : 

"On Saturday evening, soon aftei- iS o'clock, as Mi-, and 
Mrs. James H. Weeks, of Yaphank, L. I., were sitting in a 
small front room of their liouse, in the eastern extremity of 
the village, a gentle knock was heard at the door of a nar- 
row entry adjacent. Mrs. Weeks called the attention of 
her husband to it, who arose to o])en the door. Having 
been in a slight doze, and not at once seeing clearly, he did 
not go directly toward it, which Mrs. Weeks oljserving, 
went heisi^lf and opened the door. As she did so, two men, 
with faces disguised, pressed through the entrance. At the 



120 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

same time, she saw two others standing outside. One of 
the former presented a pistol toward her, with a threatening 
' hush !' while the other entered the sitting-room and aimed 
his pistol at Mr. W., with ' Your money or your life.' 

"The words had barely been uttered, when Mr. Weeks, 
now thoroughly aroused, sprang toward the fellow, and 
with one liand seized the arm which held the pistol, and di- 
verted its aim, while he grappled him with the other, forc- 
ing him against the wall and window, and driving his elbow 
through the latter. The outcry of Mrs. Weeks brought in 
a domestic from another room, whom Mrs. Weeks directed 
to blow a horn. In the meantime Mr. Weeks' assailant, 
still firmly clutched by him, struggled toward and suc- 
ceeded in reaching the entry, through which they both went 
with a rush ; to avoid which the others precipitately re- 
treated, and in so doing overthrew a large box of earth and 
flowers, with its heavy supporting block, which, happen- 
ing to fall in the way, tripped the heels of the fellow, who 
fell backward, with Mr. Weeks on top of him. The fall 
disengaged the parties, when the fellow sprang to his feet 
and fled with the others, leaving a large black felt hat upon 
the ground, where it was presently picked up, and is still 
in Mr. Weeks' possession, 

"The whole affair occupied less time than its recital, and 
had it not been for the resolute courage and activity of 
Mr. Weeks, who, by the way, is almost seventy years old, 
we might have had to report — what has lately became too 
frequent an occurrence — a bold and successful robbery, or 
something still more serious, instead of this unsuccessful 
attempt, 

" We are happy to announce to the friends of Mr. Weeks 
that, with the exception of some bruises below the knee, oc- 
casioned by striking against the edges of the block, he came 
out of the struggle uninjured. 

"W. J. W. 

Monday, Sept. 24th, 1866." 



YAIMIANK AS IT IS. 121 

Thieves iiiid Ii()us»*-l)i<';ikers Hiitertiiin ;i poor o])inion of 
Mr. Weeks since that occurrence, and leave liim severely 
alone. 

Mr. Weeks is one of the marked men on Long Island, 
and among the most intiuential. lie represents the general 
convictions and aspirations of the class of men with whom 
he has long been connected. He may be wrong, but is 
never arbitiarily so. People may curse his actions, but 
can never deny his fixed and honoral)]e motives. He has 
been schooled for defeat as well as victory, and neither can 
overcome him. Neither friends nor money can allun^ him 
from what he believes to be right, and nominations for 
office cannot corrupt him. He is no political tool, and 
never was, possessing no elective affinities of a great leader 



XXIV. 

HON. WILLIAM SIDNEY SMITH. 

AS A MILITAKY TACJTICIAN — FROM THE DRAWING-ROOM 
ACROSS THE WILDERNESS — AS A PUBLIC MAN — PERSONAL. 

Mr. Smith is a lineal descendant of Col. William Smith, 
the patentee of St. George's Manor, and was born at Long- 
wood, a portion of the Manor, July 8th, 1796. 

At seven years of age he was left an orphan, and his edu- 
cational culture was under the direction of his uncle and 
guardian. Gen. John Smith, of Mastic, Long Island. After 
completing a thorough course, he entered the counting- 
house of Cotheal & Russell, in the City of New York. 
When twent3^-one years of age he returned to liis liome at 
Longwood, and took possession of the vast estate inherited 
from his ancesters, and in the year 1823 he married Eleanor, 
a daughter of Major William Jones, of Coldspring, Queens 
County, Long Island, and settled permanently at Long- 
wood the following year. 

AS A MILITARY TACTICIAN. 

Mr. Smith has been a public man for over forty years. 
In 1815, while in the militia service ^in New York City, he 
was appointed an ensign in the 142d regiment of the New 
York State Infantrj^, by Daniel D. Tompkins, then Gov. 
of New York State, and in the following year was promoted 
to the lieutenantcy of a company in the same regiment by 
Gov. Tompkins. From that period until the year 1823, 
he continued in the militia service. After his return to 
Long Island, Gov. Yates tendered him a commission as 



YAPIIANK AS IT IS. 123 

Brigade' Major, after wliicli lie was offered a commission as 
Colonel, wliicli lie declined. 

FROM THE DRAWING-ROOM ACROSS THE WILDERNESS. 

In the year 1819 — over half a century ago — Mr. Smith 
undertook, and actually accomplished, a p(M-ilous journey 
from New York to Natchez, Miss., through a trackless wil- 
derness of howling forests and bairen plains. 

In those semi -barbarous days, and in that wild country, 
life was pnrel}^ original, and it must have been an effoi-t for 
a gentleman — born and bred within the delicate ciicles of 
refined life — to have burst the silk and satin ties and plungi^d 
into the then almost unexplored precincts of savage Indians 
and wild beasts. 

He was obliged to adapt himself to the piimitive and 
novel modes of travel ; the hardshi])s of crossing mountains, 
fording streams. &c., and the many inconveniences of 
" roughing it." Having accomplished the desired business, 
he returned in safety, after an absence of four months. 

AS A PUELIC MAN. 

Mr. Smith has held various town and county oflices, and 
has been a public man for nearly three score years. He 
was County Treasurer for fifteen years ; has been Super- 
visor of the Town, a School Commissioner, a Trustee, and a 
Member of the State Assembly in 1834, '48 and '56. He has 
also been a railroad director, trustee, executor of many 
estates, and many minor offices of trust and responsibility 
has he filled, and always with honor to himself and satisfac- 
tion to his constituents. 

His man} years of official life are an undeniable verifi- 
cation of his ability and integrity, and the utmost confi- 
dence always reposed in him, a proof of his honor, ableness 
and solidity of character. 



124 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

PERSONAL. 

Mr. Smith is of the medium heio-ht, about seventy-nine 
years of age, with a slight, erect form, straight as an arrow. 
His manners are quiet and unostentatious. He is a man of 
great liberality, and a devout Presbyterian. He erected 
a handsome residence at Longwood, and reared a family 
of smart, energetic children. His sons are mostly public 
men, and inherit much of their father's popular spirit. 

People know Mr. Smith but to honor him. Conserva- 
tives and Radicals, Democrats and Republicans, Catholics 
and Protestants, say nothing ill of Mr. Smith. 

There is an air of frank benignity in his manner, some- 
times a tenderness in his tone, and always so sincere in his 
efforts to please that one is captivated with his society. 
He has a mass of information, anecdote, incident and story 
about earlier days tliat is interesting and pleasing. 

Mr. Smith is a generous creditor. If a man cannot meet 
his contracts, and Mr. Smith is satisfied that he is honest, 
he will never press him. He is a liberal supporter of the 
gospel, and his family imitate his philanthropy. Like tlie 
immortalized Sidney Smith, he is a great joker, and a more 
merry, jovial man one seldom meets. 

But the eye once bright is growing dim, and the ma- 
chinery of life runs no more with noiseless accuracy. The 
snows of many Winters have whitened the auburn hair, and 
the weight of years causes the stately form to totter. 

Sidney Smith has been a busy man, and has taken an 
active part in the town and county affairs for many years, 
but his busy days are over. A few years ago he suffered a 
paralytic shock, and his health is greatly impaired. 

His son Robert conducts his affairs here, and his sons 
and agents in the City of New York manage his business 
there and elsewhere. He is very wealthy, but to what ex- 
tent cannot be definitely stated. He has interest in rail- 
roads, banking and other stocks, besides thousands of 
broad acres. 



YAiMiAXK A^ rr i>^. 125 

The ])]Hasiir(^ is a siifficifiit n'lmiiicratioii for mn to write 
of such men as James Weeks and Sidney Sniitli, and I ac- 
knowledge the honor and privilege of first recording in his- 
tory the most impoitant facts ironnected with their lives and 
times. 

Men who live peaceful, honorable and active lives, and 
who live for the benefit of others as well as for themselves 
and families, are meji the world h>ve to honor and read 
about. 

Messrs. Smitli and Weeks are men that have lived for 
some good in life ; men that have advanced enterprise, and 
men that may die, but can never he forgotten. 




SIDNEY H. KITCH. 



x w. 

SIDNKY II. KfTCPI. 

STATION rsl.AN'D \VI[,I.I \M (iriiN'KV — FALL OF SAVANNAH 
AK1^\II\M I.IXCoI.n's DHATir — PKRSO\AI,. 

Mr. Ritcli was hxnii in tlic village of Port Jefferson, May 
27tli, 1840 His parents died when he was in his fourth 
year, and he was then cared for by his o^rand mother and 
unele, who resided at Middle Island. 

His father, believing he would financially better himself 
hy removing South, resolved to go to North Carolina, 
where, for several years, he followed the occupation of 
teaching, and aided in revising the school system. 

He settled in Hyde rounty. and was appointerl Presi 
dent of the Board of Education established there. 

Young Sidney was left with his uncle and grandmother, 
and was hap])y in his y)leasant home. He was sent to 
school at an early age, and received such an educational 
polish as could be obtained at the village school. The teach- 
ers were usually very competent. Among them was Doc. 
E. H. S. Holden, regarding whose ability it is needless to 
comment. 

On leaving school he found his stoiv of knowledge* incom 
|)lete, and has since been striving to add to what he then 
possessed. His favorite reading is the poetry of the best 
authors, such as Pope. Milton, Young, Southey, and others 
of acknowledged repute. 

In the year 1859 the bud of his latent ambition burst, and 
he exchanged the common-place excitements of his rural 
home for the startling adventures of a "life on the ocean 
wave."' 

9 



130 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

He led the free-and-easy life of a "jolly tar" during the 
year of 1859, when he returned home and taught singing- 
school during that Winter. In the year of 1860 he again 
bade farewell to home, and entered as an apprentice to 
the carpenters' trade. In 1862 he says, "I felt a power 
of patriotism burning in my bosom. I thought, instead 
of taking three pills, that I would take three years in the 
army. Hearing that there was a dispensary at 308 Broad- 
way, New York City, I determined to secure a prescrip- 
tion. Some of my friends advised with me, and I resolved 
to try a 'dose.' I soon found my name enrolled among 
the 'true blues' of the gallant 127th N. Y. Volunteers, 
and met one thousand men equally as bad off as myself." 

He says, ' ' We were sent to 

STATION ISLAND, 

where we remained a few days waiting for equipments, 
clothing and State bounty. 

"We stood guard with clubs and condemned muskets, 
which soon became monotonous. At last we received our 
clothing and equipments, but, instead of our State bounty, 
a stirring appeal to our patriotism from our Col., 

WILLIAM C41TKNEY."' 

Mr. Ritch has much of the Billings and Twain vein in 
his jolly composition, and his spicy descriptions of armj^ 
life are decidedly entertaining and racy. 

In one description of his soldier life he pleasingly says: 
"We were cordially received at Baltimore and hospitably 
treated to a sumptuous supper — the last we were to enjoy for 
nearly three long years. We left again, en route for the na- 
tional capital, but were delayed at the Relay House nearly 
all night in consequence of a severe rain-storm, which swept 
away the track in places, thus rendering it nnsafe for us to 
proceed in the night. We at last arrived at AVashington, 
having passed two days and a night in cattle cars whidhi 



YAPAANK AS IT IS. 131 

lookfd like riddles. Fiiidino: ourselvHs at thr capital, we 
expeott'd soon to be intiodiH^ed into more coiiilortahJM 
quarters, or, what would have been more pleasing, in- 
vited into the President's r«'ce]»tion parlor, suffer the 
agonies of a private interview with the 'old man," puff into 
oblivion a tew of his choicest brands, listen to a round of 
his cracklin<^ jokes, and then be politely ushered into ele- 
gant sleeping a})artnients, whose downy couches vvt*re made 
doubly soft because a Simon Cameron or Joljn Morrissey 
once found sweet repose in the perfumed foam of t lit- snowy 
coverlets. 

" While we were waiting in glorious anticipation of some- 
thing grand, we were sternly f)rdered to ' fall in,' ' right face ' 
and ' forward march I' We bivouacked for the remainder 
of the night in the field, with the canopy of heaven for our 
ceiling, the verdant earth for our bed, and a shoddy blanket 
for a covering. Thus surrounded and shut in from the out- 
side world, we drew around us the curtain of repose, and 
for the first time laid us down to the peaceful dreams of a 
soldier. The remainder of the night we passed in heavenly 
slumber and bright dreams and brilliant visions of the 
battles of Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Chancellorville and 
' hanging Jeff Davis on a sour apple tree.' 

"In the morning we awoke at the first tap of the drum, 
climbed up the hill, and fell in for roll-call. Each one an- 
swered to his name with an air of much uncertainty. We 
proceeded to take account of ' patriotism,' and found on 
investigation that it had depreciated about ten per cent. 
Some of the bo^-s lost it all ' on the march ' the previous 
night, and never deemed it wT)rth going back after. Dur- 
ing the day the ambulances arrived with whatever had 
been thrown away, with the exception of the 'patriotism.' 

" We spent the Winter of 1862 in the defence of Wash 
ington, moving our camp frequently. From Arlington 
Heights we enjoyed a pleasant view of Gen. Lee's house, 
plantation, and beautiful surroundings. The residence is 
on the bank of the Potomac, and presents a magnificent 



132 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

• 

prospect of the Capitol. Near the house is the family 
burying ground of the Custis family. At the foot of the 
hill and near the river is the tomb of Peyton Randolph. 
Before Lee denied the authority of his country, and raised 
his hand in rebellion, he possessed all that heart could 
crave to bind him with endearing ties to his home and 
country. 

" In the Spring of 1863, we were ordered into the field. 
Then began our long, tedious marches. In the outside 
precincts of Frederick City we found the 7th encamped. We 
entered into conversation with them, and our hearts were 
stirred by their tales of suffering. Shelter tents covered 
them from inclemencies of the weather, and ' Government 
rations ' stilled the inner man, and supplied the fountain of 
their 'patriotism.' We could decidedly sympathize with 
them, for we 'feasted' on the same kind of rations, but as 
for the tents, we had not been obliged to live in them. 
We were pleased to see their condition improved, for they 
were then in barns, doing duty at the front. 

" One of our regiment became deranged, and ran about 
the field, with his fingers pointing heavenward, continually 
shouting, ' There's a light in the window for thee,' which 
was quite consoling, as we hourly expected to be called 
into action. 

" We left the 7th regiment to ' guard the barns,' and ad- 
vanced towards Boonsboro. We rested for the night, and 
the following day proceeded to Hagerstown. On the road 
we saw a signboard, bearing the inscription : ' Kilpatrick is 
not dead yet.' This was very cheering. We had the as 
surance that Kilpatrick was still ' up and doing;' and if 
we were slain, ' there was a light in the window. ' 

"During our many days of marching, we saw much pic- 
turesque scenery, and marched many poor mules to death. 
It was very much like ascending the side of a house to 
climb some of the mountains. We dared not look back for 
fear of falling a mile or two down the craggy sides. In 
Greenfield we found only one accessible well of water, and 



YAPHANK A.^ IT IS. 1^ 

that was filled with calves' heads, hens?, chickens. &c. \N'e 
soon cleaned out the 'little mess,' and, putting down a bag 
of charcoal, shortly purified the water. 

"One day we were called out to witness the shootin.i; of 
a deserter, a member of another regiment. The regiments 
formed a hollow square, and an ambulance approached 
with the victim, who calmly sat upon his coffin. He was 
led to his grave, placed upon his coflin, while twelve men, 
with loaded muskets, were drawn up before him. Clear 
and startling rang out the command to fire, and the next 
instant the poor wretch was writhing in the agonies of 
death. A few moments more, and the cold clay closed 
over the scene. 

'• During our passage to Charleston we were obliged to 
boil our coffee over lighted candles, on the steamer s deck. 
During the voyage an altercation took place, and in the ex- 
citement I threw a chap out of a third tier bunk to the 
floor. After my exhibition of physical prowess, I was po 
litely informed that I had played a joke on the ' bully ' of 
the regiment. Of course I did it accidentally I 

"The voice of an angel used often to disturb the peace- 
ful slumbers of those in Charleston. It was the ' swamp 
angel' — a single gun battery, mounted in the mud directly 
under the guns of Castle Pinkney. From this gun the 
first siiot was hurled into the City of Charleston. Our lei- 
sure time was occupied in fighting sand-fieas. gnats, 'sil- 
very-tongued mosquitoes,' and drinking watei- that had 
been drained through the bodies of fallen heroes. Such 
was the bright side of my soldier life ! I organized a class 
in singing, which I drilled in the quarteimaster's tent once 
a week. One dozen books were presented to us from a 
friend in New York City, and four men were selected to 
form a quartette, viz. : Gfeorge Reeves, Xmi Buskirk, 
Youngs, and myself. We received our appointments from 
Lieutenant Col. Woodford. 

"During a battle a lad of fifteen years was mortally 
wounded. He was as fine a looking lad as I ever saw. and 



134 YAPHANK AS IT 18. 

of pure Union sentiment. He was pressed into the rebel 
service, fired his gun in the air, and shortly after received 
his death wound. In the agonies of death, deafened by 
the din of battle, he cried out for his mother and sister. 
Such incidents make tender and lasting impressions upon 
the mind, even of a soldier. In another battle two of my 
intimate friends were killed. While our batteries were 
tiring in the morning, one of them wrote in his diary : ' If I 
am killed to-day, Grod help my mother.' Little he sus- 
pected, though he penned the sentiments, that the bright 
sun was beaming on him for the last time. 

" One day a shell struck a cook-house of one of the regi- 
ments. The building being built of logs and mud, the 
shell caused a general demolition, and for a short time the 
only visible objects were mess-pans, kettles, and a thick 
cloud of dust. After the excitement subsided, the debris 
was seen moving in a certain place, and a moment later a 
Dutch cook emerged, saying : ' Vot in heell ish de mad- 
der?' " 

Mr. Hitch is an amusing and gifted writer, and all of liis 
narrations are spicy and pleasing. I heartily wish that 
time and space permitted yours truly to record more of his 
elaborate accounts of "life at the front," but this con- 
tracted biographical and descriptive record will not allow 
more extended details, although positively entertaining. 
My readers must content themselves with the broken ex- 
tracts I can only present ; remember that "brevity is the 
soul of wit," and " a good time is coming." 

Our hero again modestly breaks forth thusly : " Well, I 
have been hungry all day, and when the shades of twilight 
fell, slept on two rails to keep from sinking in the mud, so 
I could find myself in tlie morning. I have seen men with 
their heads blown off, with arms and legs, and all that 
tends to make life desirable, shattered to fragments ; but 
this does not seem to call forth much sympathy, because I 
was not blown to atoms, I suppose. One night there came 
up a dense fog — thicker than a stone wall and higher than 



YAPHANK A9 IT 19. 135 

the tower of Babel. With this fog came the news of the 
'fall of Savannah.' All the troops turned out at mid- 
night and gave three cheers, a tiger, and a tom-cat. Our 
bands struck up the new tunes, called Hail Columbia, 
Stiir Spangled Banner, and Yankee Doodle — all com- 
posed for tlie occasion. I am glad to iiear that they have 
since become somewhat popular. Out of justice to the fog, 
I would state that some of the notes didn't come down 
until the next day, and some of the artillerymen got their 
ramrods fast in the fog, and couldn't get ^them out until it 
cleared in the morning. 

" Beaureguard having heard of the 

FALL OF SAVANNAH, 

and of General Sherman's advance, started farther South. 
While in the City of Charleston I formed some pleasant 
acquaintances — of course, the most agreeable of them were 
with ladies, with excellent vocal talents. Many enjoyable 
moonlight excursions have I wliiled on the pleasant Bay. 
But this is the romantic portion, of which we read so much in 
books. We took possession of one of the finest and largest 
churches in the city, and soon established a fine choir of 
mixed voices. In the post-office 1 became acquainted 
with General Harrison's grandson, John Taylor, Stanly G. 
Trott, and others of note. 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S DEATH 

caused deep regret, not alone to the soldiery, but with the 
citizens. Leaving Charleston, we started for Hilton Head, 
and thence for New York. Talk about moonlight excur- 
sions with Southern beauties, with golden, raven, auburn, 
or any other tresses ! Such things are appropriate for poets 
and love-sick swains to prattle about, but is naught com- 
pared to a 

'HOMEWARD BOUND,' 

after a three years' knock-about in the war. 



136 YAPHANK AS IT IS. 

'' After returning to civil life, I again took up my trade 
for a season ; but finding myself not as robust as before the 
war, I gave it up, and for a period was with Prof. Abby, 
in New York City, receiving musical instruction. At this 
time I was chorister in the Tabernacle Church, in Green- 
point, where I became acquainted and rather fascinated 
with the young lady organist in the same church. Both 
being musicians, I thought it might prove benelicial to 
study our natures a little. We used sometimes to while 
whole evenings in this delightful study, until at last we 
found our chords so complete that we ventured to appear 
in public, where we struck the hymenal chord, from which 
we have not as yet resolved into the dominant Seventh." 

PERSONAL. 

Mr. Ritch has a peculiar and rare gift of song. He is 
tall and well-formed, with a long, flowing beard, dark and 
wavy. There is a freedom from cant and aflTectation in his 
manner. His voice is clear and ringing, and sweeps from 
the lowest bass to the highest register, in tender and pathetic 
notes. 

His wife is a sweet lady — talented and musical. Theirs 
is a harmonious life, devoted to the soothing powers of 
song. Mr. Ritch has taught many singing schools, and 
qualified many pupils for the sweet field of music. 

His whole make-up assists him ; his actions are pleasant 
and natural ; he puts himself in perfect sympathj^ with his 
audience, and his ringing voice pours out charming music. 
W hether the flowers are blooming in Spring or dying in 
Autumn, the change affects not his jolly jokes. Down the 
flowery path he treads, arm-in-arm with his gifted wife. 
The roses and the lilies bloom for them, and their songs 
mingle with the warbling notes of the birds, and are wafted 
o'er the placid waters to the sweet Eden of song. 



Part Second. 



( ) r. 1) \'A P A ^< 1 r W'A >i . 



ol.l) LAND-MAKKS THAT HAVK I'ASSKJ) AWAV 



FAKT SECOND. 
I. 

YAPHANK AS IT WAS. 

CONTAINING HIOGKA PllU'AL SKK'KJHES OF THK MKN THAT 
ONCK WEKE PROMINENT. 

ESQUIRE MOKDECAl HOMAN. 

HIS SMALL BEGINNING AND FINAL ACHIEVEMENTS. 

While Yaphauk lias a history and Brookhaven Town a 
record, the name of Mordecai Homan will fonn a promiiiPiit 
feature in both. 

He was the most popular and illustrious Honian and citi- 
zen that ever lived in Yaphank ; he was a sao^acious poli- 
tician, of keen penetration and judgment, a discerning and 
judicious business man, and a noble and much-loved citi- 
zen. 

No man was better acquainted with the history of his 
day and town than he ; for forty-two years he was Town 
Clerk, a responsible and trusted officer. 

When age laid its unrelenting hand upon him, and in- 
firmities forced him to lay aside the quill forever, it was a 
lamented period in Brookhaven. The old veteran laid down 
his harness with a sigh. Long years had lie been the social 
friend and adviser of public men; long years had he been a 
faithful servant and an honorable leader. 

During all the years of his public life, not a murmur was 
spoken against him. No one doubted 'Squire Homan' a ve- 



140 YAPHANK AS IT WAS. 

racity and honor ; no one questioned what he discharged. 
When his eyes grew dim and his steps tottering, he bade 
farewell to a busy life, lived to see a successor established 
and then girded on his armor for the long, long march of 
his fathers. 

When the cruel grave closed over him, and the mourning 
ones turned toward the home made sad by the Angel of 
Death, a soothing consolation cheered every heart, and 
mitigated the deep sorrow ; he had left a spotless record, a 
white rose of a blameless life behind him. 

Those who had differed with him politically, dropped a 
tear over his grave. The bad, bold politician, feared, but 
loved him. When he died the sun set over a sorrowing 
people. 

His life was a martyrdom of care and trouble. A large 
family of ailing relatives depended upon him for the things 
of life, and hundreds of dollars went to alleviate physicians' 
demands. With but few to assist and many to pull down, 
he still trudged manfully on, and reared a snug fortune and 
an enviable name. 

From boyhood to ripe old age he carried that ambitious 
and business-like air. He was truly a self-made man, and 
erected the pillars of his success. He was born of plebeian 
parentage, and no golden spoon held dainty morsels to 
soothe his childish whims. No wealthy relatives or finan- 
cial king placed him in public favor, or assisted in sus- 
taining his reputation. 

During the most seditious and tumultuous political 
times, when the trusted and tried party men were abused 
and crushed by a people who had lost confidence in them, 
Esquire Homan was among the few who ran the gauntlets 
unabused, and passed the ordeals unscathed. 

There were no Camerons, no Wades, no Butlers or Sum- 
ners in his day ; and he lived before the men of Morrissey 
stamp became honorables and national dictators. 



YAPHANK AS IT WAS. 141 

HTS SMAM, KKf;T\NI\f; AXH FIXAL ACHI FVEMENTS. 

Early in I iff lu> taii!j;lit school and labored upon his farm, 
lie livtd with his father upon his fartu .-it Middle Island 
during his younger days. 

When about twenty-eight years old, he married a Miss 
Polly Buckingham, in Old Milfred. (Jonn., and pur(^hasing 
his brother's interest in the " Roman estate," at Yaphank. 
moved thither. 

He evinced original ability, and his appreciating towns- 
men sot»n elected him a Justice of the Peace. In consumma- 
tion. Esquire Homan officiated in nearly every town office. 

In the days of his glory, his many friends were enthusi- 
astically in favor of his accepting the nomination for Assem- 
bly. That nomination, and the proffered one for Super- 
visor, he decidedly refused. He was, without doubt, the 
strongest candidate for either position in the town, at that 
time. 

THOMAS HOMAN. 

HTS rUARACTERISTICS. 

This deceased yeoman was born in Yaphank, 1781. His 
remains are buried in the Presbyterian churchyard, sur- 
rounded by the graves of those who were young with him- 
self. 

He died Feb. (5tli, 1860. aged seventy -nine years and six 
months. 

HIS CHARACTERISTICS. 

Thomas Homan was a farmer, and owned and tilled the 
farm now occupied b}- liis son Edward. He was a much 
respected neighbor, and an exemplary Christian. "Every- 
body liked 'Uncle Tommy,' and 'Uncle Tomm}^' liked 
everybody." He had a small body, but a large heart ; and 
his mind was invariably contented and happy. 

Thomas was the youngest of a family of three brothers — 
Mordecai, Philip and Thomas. Their father was named 
Mordecai, and their grandsire also. 



142 YAPHANK AS IT WAS. 

Mr. Homan lived during the "Sunny Era," before the 
"new fangled things" drove the good old established cus- 
toms into obscurity. He lived in Yaphank when it was 
not Yaphank, and when every citizen now living was far in 
the future. 

There are many anecdotes connected witli the lives of 
these "Subjects of the Past,'' that would interest and 
amuse ; but time and space does not permit me to record 
them. 

By plunging into the buried past, I contracted a more ar- 
duous task than I at first imagined. To recall the local in- 
terest of my own day is a facile effort compared to my 
gleaned reminiscences of the long ago ; but I endeavored to 
make my sketches as authentic as they are brief. 

T smile in my heart as I write of these old patriarchs, who, 
many years ago, guided the plow and gathered the har- 
vest where dwellings and business institutions now stand ; 
whose lives were unbroken by fashion's tide ; whose years 
were unmarred dreams of rustic happiness, remote from the 
engine' s screech or the roar of enterprise. 

What a grand transformation ! The old men that are 
gone could never live happy in this age I It is too scien- 
tific and enlightened ! 

" Uncle Tommy " was an industrious man, and an un- 
changeable Christian. His voice has long been silenced, 
and sweet flowers have many Summers bloomed over his 
grave ; but when the Resurrection shall arouse the slum- 
bering dead, his face will beam brighter than the flowers 
that wave o'er his grave. 



TI. 

I)KA. SIMMONS LAWS. 

Dea. S. Laws was born in En^Hand, 1781, and died at 
Yaphank, Feb. 4, 18H7, aged 8H years. 10 months and lo 
days. 

He canae to the "States'" with liis parents when fifteen 
years old, and settled in the Ridge. He married there, and 
early moved to Yaphank, where he kept a tavern in an old 
structure that stood west of his more recent residence. 

To the day of his decease lie was a senior elder and dea- 
con in the Presbyterian Church, and quite ecclesiastically 
famous. 

When he came to Y he was not wealthy, but contin- 
ually added to his estate, and ultimately possessed a large 
tract of wood and cultivatrd land. 

Dea. Laws was a pious man, but ignorance often caused 
him to grope in darkness. He was arbitrary and self-willed, 
and blindly grasped for worldly goods. Like many ex- 
emplary Christians, he carried the world in one hand and 
God's Word in the other. His besetting sin was an inborn 
love for money ; but that peculiar failing is as universal 
within the sanctuary as in the "Broad Road," and is not 
generally declared a " very l^ad fault." 

Mr. Laws lived to a ripe old age, and calmly sank to 
sleep. He left many mourning friends behind him, and a 
breach that has never been filled. It was a lovely winter 
day when his remains were lowered to their long, long rest ; 
but at the last trump his face will beam from beyond the 
setting sun, and he will be judged with his fathers. 



144 YAPHANK AS IT WAS. 

RICHARD HAWKINS. 

Richard Hawkins was born in Setauket, 1796, and died 
at Yaphank, April 29th, 1855. He was fifty -nine years old. 

Mr. Hawkins was a quiet, retired man. and not very 
popular or exceedingly unpopular. He reared a large fam- 
ily, and died poor. He died in obscurity, and in the bosom 
of his family. 

No lioness cast her whelps in the streets when he was 
born or when he died. No waning of the elements, or 
strange appearances in the heavens, denoted that a great 
soul had passed into eternity ; but, calmly and serenely, as 
the sun rose in the east, his spirit sank down the west. 

He was a laboring man, and worked alternately at farm- 
ing, tailoring and carpentering. He never gained pre-em- 
inence in his combined callings, or even distinction in one. 

His children are separated far and near. One son lies 
beneath the dark waters of the Atlantic, and another, Rob- 
ert, entered the Mexican war, came home, "went up the 
Mississippi," took ill and died. 

Mr. Hawkins married a daughter of Dea. Simmons Laws, 
and settled in the home of his after scenes 

He established no enduring name, and his good and bad 
acts lie mouldering with his mortality. 



ITT. 
JONAH HAWKINS. 

HTS EARTHLY LABORS — UNCLE JONAH's ANTERIOR POSITION. 

This jocund old geiitl<^man was born in \V»^st Moriches, 
Sep. 3, 1790. He died Dec. 3, 1856. His epitaphic words 
were: ''When my soul fainted witliin nip, T rpmembered 
the Lord." 

Jonah Hawkins was not an exceedingly fascinating man. 
physically, but a more agreeable and honorable citizen 
never existed in Yaphank. Always feeble and frail in con 
stitution, but active and ambitious. 

He was hunchbacked and very deaf ; but, notwithstand- 
ing his physical deformity, he always wore a genial smile 
for every one. Mr. Hawkins possessed an irreproachable 
reputation while living, and left a white record of a blame- 
lees life. 

HIS EARTHLY LABORS. 

Where E. W. Mills now "gathers in the dust" stood an 
unpainted, weather-beaten, biown structure, one story and 
attic high. In that old building, Jonah Hawkins estab- 
lished a grocery store on a limited scale, and from behind 
the low, rough-planed counter, the old gentleman would 
smilingh' greet his rustic customers. 

In those ''ye olden days," Yaphank- then Millville — 
gloried in the accommodations of tliree stores. Isaac 
Terry's was declared the model mercantilr institution, and 
lie the '"princely merchant." 

J. P. Mills was then unknown upon the mercantile sea. 
but he soon launched his chip. He purchased Mr. Terry's 
business and interest, and became possessor of the lit 



146 YAPHANK Ai= IT WAS. 

tie brown store. A larger and more commodious one was 
soon erected upon the old ground, and the romantic name 
of " Mills" was a business fact. 

UNCLE Jonah's anterior position. 

What is now Van Rensellar Swezey's carriage and store 
house, forty years in the past was a popular grocery and 
Yankee Notion store, where the vivacious subject of our 
sketch bartered his commodities and notions for farmers' 
produce, and the hard cash of the local yeomanry. 

"Uncle Jonah" lived to the mature old age of three- 
score years and six, and then he girded on his armor and 
began the long, long march through the valley. He died as 
he had lived, fearing God and loving man. 

His mortality slumbers beside those of his faithful 
companion, in the Episcopal graveyard in Yaphank. 

JONAS BUCKINGHAM. 

Jonas Buckingham was born in the town of Old Milford, 
Ct., February 25, 1779. He died and was buried at Yap- 
hank, February 25, 1815. He was, accordingly, 46 years 
old when he laid down the things of life. 

There lives not a mortal upon earth at the present day 
who remembers Uncle Jonah's boyhood, or the scenes of 
1779 ; and the number is meagre who can recall the period 
of his marriage and residence in Yaphank. 

He married a widow lady named Greene, I believe, 
and settled in Yaphank on the bank of the bonny Connect- 
icut. 



IV. 

MORDECAJ OVERTON. 

A NUMEROUS FAMILY. 

Mr. Overton was horn in Coram, May 26. 1797. and dipd 
at Yaphank, Novenibpr 17, 1866. He was. acmrding to 
niatliematical exactness, 79 years old. 

Morderai was an in*i;rnionsnian, and noted as a siiccpssfiil 
watch and clock repairer. He was a son of the "illiistri- 
ous" John Overton, and brother of the "immortal"" James. 

A NUMEROUS FAMILY. 

The Overtons are an almost innumerable race, and their 
names appear conspicnously at every point of tlie compass. 
They are a class that have become more remarkable for 
numbers than illustrious deeds or virtues, and Mordecai 
was a fair reprcsentativp of the " orreat wholp.'' 

I know of none tliat begat ciiminals, or men eminent for 
innate greatness: in the langiiage of the Englishman, 
they "are about arf and arf* It can be safely declared 
that the race never will do mucli damage by the impetu- 
osity of family ambitions, or much national benefit by sfcites- 
manly greatness. 

Mordecai lived in Yaphank many years, and was univer 
sally considered an honorable, ingenious and inoffensive 
man ; a pleasant neighbor and companion. 

Mr. Overton was a remarkable inventor in his humble 
way. and constructed many things of decided meijt. He 
invented the famous crank augur now in use in every ship 
vard in the country. He also invented the combination 
shovel, for digging cellars, cisterns, wells. <S:c. None of 



148 YAPHANK AS IT WAS. 

these were patented, and, like nearly every other inventor, 
Mr. Overton died poor. 

DANIEL HAMMOND. 

THE SOCIAL CUSTOMS OF HIS DAY. 

Daniel Hammond was born May 23d, 1774, and died De- 
cember 30th, 1848. 

Mr. Hammond was shoemaker, tanner and currier for the 
vicinit}^, and was considered a clever workman. In the 
seventeenth and eighteenth centuries the farmers furnished 
hides to the local tanneries, and had them "done up on 
shares." Cobblers visited the rural homes and " made up " 
the family work once or twice a year. Cow-hides were con- 
sidered fashionable, and even bare feet on the Sabbath were 
not regarded as violating conventional decorum. 

Mr. Hammond was not remarkable for noble deeds, or 
for his individual malevolence. He was not illustrious for 
his elevated magnanimity or debased malapertness. 

THE SOCIAL CUSTOMS OF HIS DAYS. 

It was customary, and not considered debasing, in Daniel 
Hammond's time, to "tip the elbow." Men in exalted sta- 
tions, and those regarded as examples, and higldy respect- 
able people in all capacities, drank " blue lightning." 

The ring of the social glass was heard at every public and 
private gathering, and was countenanced by the aristocrat 
and the plebeian. Cider flowed in every man's cellar, and 
"good whiskey" was no luxury in the farming homes. 
But evil effects attended the old-time drunks, as it invari- 
ably accompanies our more modern " carousels," sniddeU- 
rium tremens was as common as the toasts. 

Mr. Hammond liked the "fire water," but seldom drank 
to dissipation, or a pernicious extent. It was usual for 
him to drink a friendly glass with such men as Esquire 
Homan and Phillips, who generally drank the great toast 
of the day — friendship. 



YAPFIANK \S IT WAS. 149 

Five sons and a dauii:;hter grew up around him. and still 
live to read liis record. 

Mr. Hammond was familiarly known among his acquaint- 
ances and neighbors as ''Neighbor Hammond,'" and^by 
that soubriquet was universally addressed. 

He was a smart man and an excellent workman, but if he 
ever suffered a besetting sin, it was a passion for intoxicat- 
ing liquor. 

The snows of many winters have fallen over his gravp, 
and his body lies, with no monument to mark its resting 
place, in the Middle Island burying ground. 



V. 
ESQUIRE WILLIAM PHILLIPS. 

A HKVIKW — THE OLD SQUIRK's PECULIAKITIES, 

Time will not permit me to dwell lengthily on the bi- 
ography of this lamented man, whose appellation forms 
the subject of this sketch. 

He died as he had lived : in the bosoni of his family, and 
high in the esteem of all who knew him. 

Esquire Phillips was born in 1787, and died March 22, 
1858. His body reposes among the tombs of his fathers 
and friends in the Middle Island burying-ground. 

A REVIEW. 

Before he was married he worked in an uncle' s store as 
clerk, in Connecticut. There he learned to drive sharp bar- 
gains, and became acquainted with the varied tastes, dispo- 
sitions and characters of humanity generally. 

When still young he came back to old Long Island, 
married, and settled down as a farmer. He owned an ex- 
tensive and fertile farm, and, unlike our farmers of this 
age, the farm made him and he made the farm. 

He speculated much in wood and other staple products 
of the time, and amassed quite a fortune. The 'Squire was 
a hard-working man ; hale and rugged. 

He made his wealth by honest toil and enterprise, and he 
left four children a father's blesssing, an lionest name, and 
the fraits of honorable toil. 

For many years prior to his death he suffered with a 
painful cancer, which caused his death at last. 



YAJ'IIANK AS IT WAS. 151 

He was not a j)iofessiii<^' christian, but an exemplary 
mojal man. His namt- would littin>;ly adorn the scroll ol' 
the good men of any time. 

His son William, who hears his name, bears his imputa- 
tion I'oi- enterprise and industry. He has done more U) 
benefit Ya])hank thap a dozen Augustus Floyds or Nath- 
aniel Tuthills ever did or will. 

Where the County Alms House reared its leviathan I'rame, 
twenty-iive years ago grew tall forest trees, and impene- 
ti'able undergrowth shut out the howling wood. 'Squire 
Phillips purchased the tract, and cleared the land now 
known as the county farm. 

DANIEL HOxMAN. 

Daniel Homau was born in 1800, and died at Yaphank, 
Feb. 20tli, 1847. 

At sevf^nteen he was apprenticed to the carpenter trade 
under the vigilant instruction of Benjamin Grover of Wad 
ing River, L. I. 

In 1821 he married a Miss Melissia Griffing, and removed 
with his young wife to Brooklyn, Long Island. He pur- 
chased lots and built the first house ever erected on Pine- 
apple street, Brooklyn. 

The climate impaired his wife's health, and not proving 
exceedingly congenial to his own, he returned to his old 
home in Yaphank. 

He was an ingenious and skillful workman. Apparently 
in the flush of manhood and health, that deadly ill <»f tlie 
liuman race— consumption — fastened its implacable coils 
around his form, and the strong man became feeble and 
emaciated. For seven years he suffered a lingering death, 
when the diseased body fainted and died. He has faced the 
•'king of terrors," and sutlers no more sickness, no more 
sorrow. 



VI. 
ISAAC MILLS, ESQ., 

HIS DEATH. 

Isaac Mills was born in Smithtown, 1769, and died at 
Yaphank. 

Some men are born unfortunate and die miserable. Genial 
smiles beam upon some from the cradle to the grave, 
and dark days never lower. Privately and publicly, no 
cloud darkens their sky, but all is sunshine. 

How strange and intangible seem some of God's dispensa- 
tions to man ; and how varied are His dealings with us mort- 
als. He allows the persecuted to suffer, nor guides a good 
Samaritan to cheer the soriowing. 

Still more mysterious is His dealing with the persecutor. 
The unrelenting and uncompromising man of the world 
lives to a ripe old age amid the blessings of health and 
mortal affairs, while the godly and moral suffer in bodj^ 
mind and soul, from sickness, trouble, and unpardonable 
crimes compulsorily performed. 

We cannot but believe that although Isaac Mills slept 
the nights of his unhappy end away upon a bed of thorns, 
that a couch of roses awaited him beyond the Great Un- 
fathomed, where he is freed from the taunts and abuse of 
unnatural relations. 

He lived unfortunately and died unfortunately. His 
earthly career was an ordeal of trouble — especially his lat- 
ter life. 

Trouble — domestic, it is asserted — bore him to a sui- 
cide's grave ; and, indeed, it must have been aggravatingly 



YAPHANK AS IT WAS. 168 

intense to have caused his committal of a deed so shocking, 
for Isaac Mills was inevitably <;ay and buoyant spirited. 

His bones are mouldered to dust, and his tongue is silent 
forever, and the true reasons that caused him to commit the 
awful crime that lowered the black curtain over his dreary 
life, were buried with his body, and money has ever kept 
the sea unruffled that rolls above the mystery. 

Who or what originated the trouble that caused him to 
take his life, is one of the sealed insolubles that time alone 
can reveal. 

HIS DEATH. 

It was a lovely Sunday eve that he committed the act that 
stamped his name upon the dark scroll of self-murderers. 
The night wind rocked the tall trees to and fro that towered 
above the old farm-liouse where he lived ; and the hoi}' si- 
lence of a Sabbath evening had fallen over the settlement of 
Yaphank. 

It was an evening in keeping with the horrible deed that 
was destined to make it long remembered. The stars glim- 
mered dimly through a hazy mist, and twilight — the 
most solemn hour of the twenty-four — was slowly trans- 
formed into sober darkness. Tiie lovely twilight hour had 
vanished, and evening had thrown its sable mantle over the 
quiet Sabbath scene, when the night air rang with the re- 
port of a shocking deed. 

" Isaac Mills has committed suicide !" 

The startling import roused the slumbering yeoman, and 
changed the sleeping settlement into a rustic bedlam. 

Behind the barn that still stands upon the old farm, lay 
the subject of the report, groaning and dying. 

His throat was severed from ear to ear, and the gurgling 
noise caused by blood flowing into his throat, atti-acted the 
attention of cattle in an adjoining yard, and their loud 
bellowing raised the alarm. 

When a sufficient number of witnesses had arrived to sus- 
tain his removal, he was conveyed to his couch of thorns to 
die. 



164 YAPHANK AS IT WAS. 

His wound was tenderly dressed by Doc. Samuel F. 
Norton, of Coram, his family physician, and he was urged 
to wait patiently the result. He rocked to and fro upon his 
couch, in an agony of mind and body. He did not wish to 
live ; oh, no ! What ! live to again undergo the trouble 
that robbed him of his hapiness 'i God forbid. 

He tore the bandages from his wound, and prayed for 
death to relieve him of his agony. It came. The dreaded 
monster was welcomed in that little chamber of suffering, 
and the angel bore from the shores of time a great martyr. 
Isaac Mills was dead ! 

The cold sod had closed over his remains, and Isaac Mills 
was catalogued with the past. The affair created much 
'"talk," but the excitement finally subsided and was for- 
gotten; but we are sanguine — although the stain of a suicide 
darkens his memory — that he is, this moment, praising the 
God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. 

APPOLAS MILLS. 

HIS ILLUSTRIOUS WIFE — THE TRUE MAN. 

Appollas was the eldest son and heir of Isaac Mills. 
There were three sons and a daughter — Appollas, Horace, 
Philip, and Joanna. 

Appollas married a Miss Urania Phillips, a sister of the 
popular Esquire William Phillips — who was seven years his 
senior. But, as considerable "'cash'' was annexed, the 
seniority was no obstacle to a happy union — and such it 
was. 

She was a loving wife and mother, and an acknowledged 
business woman. Her name deserves to be clierished 
among the model women of the age, as a choice sample. 
She was more illustrious and popular than her husband, 
and did I represent feminine prominency in this little vil- 
lage record, be assured that Mrs. Urania Mills would be 
represented. 



VAI'HANK AS [T WAS. 1 flfi 

Ap])ollas Mills did iiotliin<; while on .-arth when'in the 
world can ivcognizt- suj)eiior chaiactfristical qiialilifs. nor 
anything that doi's signalize liis nainn. 

By terming Mr. Mills conspicuous. 1 rank his sketch 
among otli^is, who, in consequence of tin- xaicitv of nion- 
brilliant subjects, I aiu conipt'llfd lo noiicc in l^(•.'piJ|^• with 
their family connections, ratiirr iliiin deserved eniinenc*'. 

lie was not loquacious, or taiuturn; not classical, or illit 
erate; not obtuse, or gifted. 

What was he ^ "Well, he was "a man!" Y«*s, that is 
iiicf : it carries a deal of meaning with it. A man of honor I 
A iiiMM in the true sense of the woixi I 

Alrhnugli he did nothing worthy fame or story; although 
no his.orian will labor over jjages of tlowery words in ex- 
tolling his obscure name, he nevertheless deserves a shining 
throne high above the fabled heroes whose crimsoned swords 
won bloody records, but not the enviabh' titles of "true 
men." 



Vll. 
DANIEL B. SWEEZEY. 

"Died at Yaphank, April 24th, 1863, Daniel B. Sweezey, 
in the 33d year of his age." 

The above appeared, with the quoted obituary below, in 
the SuffolJc Herald of May 20th, 1863. 

"On the 11th of the same month, in leaping from a wagon, 
he struck the ground unfavorably, and broke his leg. The 
fracture was complicated, with a severe external wound 
from the protruding bone, and although at first hopes were 
confidently entertained, it became apparent in a few days 
that he was in a critical condition. Tetanus, or locked-jaw, 
supervened, and bafiied all the efforts of his physician. 
His funeral on Sunday, the 26th, was largely attended by 
his sorrowing friends and neighbors, and was impressive as 
a re:3fiarkably mournful occasion. 

" In parting with Daniel, our community has sustained a 
serious loss. Here, every one is known and numbered, and 
his death has opened a void that cannot easily be filled. 
Steady and industrious, he gained our respect ; kind and 
obliging, he won our esteem and friendship. His open heart 
and willing hand contributed to his usefulness. In his 
dealings he was generous and liberal, and his deportment 
and cheerfulness comported with his Christian character 
and pleasantry. While he bore his sufferings with manly 
fortitude, he was resigned to his fate, and died lamented by 
all. This brief tribute is due to his memory, while his lin- 
eaments are still vividly before us, and ere time shall have 
wrapped all in forgetfulness. For him we may safely cher- 



VAPIIANK AS IT WAS. 157 

ish the belief that he hns f^xohanced the <-arps ot Kirth for 
the joys of Heaven." 

" Lord, who's the happy man that may 
To thy hlest courts repair. 
Not stranger-like, to visit tliem, 
But to inhahit there ? 

" 'Tis he who walketh uprightly. 
Whom righteousness directs ; 
Whose generous tongue disdains to speak 
The thing his Iieart rejects. 

" Who never did a slander forge, 
His neighbor's fume to wound ; 
Nor hearken to a false report 
By malice whispered round. 

"Who, vice in all its pomp and power, 
Can treat with just neglect; 
And piety, though clothed in rags. 
Religiously respect. 

" Who, to his plighted vows and trust 
Has ever firmly stood ; 
And, though he promise to his loss, 
He makes his promise good. 

" Whose soul in ut«ury disdains 
His treasure to emjjloy ; 
Whom no rewards can ever bribe 
The guiltless to destroy. 

"The man who, by this righteous course, 
Has happiness insured, 
When earth's foundation slmkes, shall stand, 
Bv Providence secured." 

VAniANK, May 15th, 1863. 



158 TAPHANK AS IT WAS, 

How the people mourned when Daniel Sweezey died I 
Each grain of earth that fell over his grave, seemed to bear 
down the lamenting hearts in deeper sorrow. 

He was one of those scarce men who go down to the cruel 
grave when their virtues can be ill spared. 

For years Mr. Sweezey was the loadstone of J. P. Mills' 
store, and when the unfortunate trip robbed him of his life* 
he was fast becoming the most popular man in this vicinity. 

He married the ^^oungest daughter of Appollas Mills — a 
sister of J. P. Mills— and entered the store as head clerk. 
He left no children to mourn a father's death, but a loving^ 
Avife to suffer a husband's loss. 

In the church-yard at Middle Island, he is sleeping the 
sleep that knows no waking, and o'er his grave is reared a 
tablet to the memory of one of nature's true noblemen. 



VTTl. 
ROBERT H. HAWKINS. .Iin. 

HIS FIRST STRTTrfiLE — A TRIIUTK '( < > HI> MEMOFIY. 

Mr. Hawkins was a gentleman of sterling qualities, and. 
although liis promising future was obscured by tlin grim 
mantle of death, his works on earth evinced his many ex 
cellent talents, and a beaming future of well-earned honors 
and happiness. 

HIS FIRST STRUGGLE. 

When but a lad his ambitious spirit led him into busy 
life. At an early age Mr. James H. Weeks gave him a 
letter of introduction to a prominent mercantile firm in the 
City of New York, and his movements u])ward began. It 
led him on to the bright goal of business aspiration. It 
helped him amass a fine fortune, and to form endearing 
ties with many noble characters. 

A TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY. 

Mr. Hawkins died at Yaphank. L. I.. December 16th, 
1 8^5, aged 38 years. 

After a short illness Mr. Hawkins was stricken down in 
the prime of his manhood, and atan age when his prospects 
were bright for many years of happiness with liis beloved 
and interesting family. 

It is but a little while since he retired from an a<'tive 
commercial life in the City of New York to enjoy the rural 
and domestic pleasures of his native place, and to soothe 



160 YAPHANK AS IT WAS. 

the declining days of his aged father, who, being entirely 
blind, was the more dependent upon his son. 

Although the time allotted him to discharge these filial 
duties was short, yet his friends can testify how faith- 
fully he performed them. Kindly he guided the faltering 
steps of the old man, and cheered his lonely home by read- 
ing and praying with him. Not only is his death a loss to 
his family, but to society, and to all to whom he had en- 
deared himself by his frank and courteous manners and 
generous disposition. Kind and obliging, he was always 
ready to confer a favor, and ever grateful when he received 
one. The disease, which terminated in an affection of the 
brain, rendered him unconscious of all around, and insen- 
sible to the attention and solicitude with which he was 
watched by his family, friends and neighbors. They hoped 
and prayed for some favorable change, that he might be 
spared to his beloved ones. But no interval of returning 
consciousness permitted him to bid farewell to those so 
dear to his heart. Yet they are not without the ever-blessed 
assurance that his peace was made with God. That he had 
not neglected, while in health, to "set his affections on 
things above ;" "to lay up his treasure in Heaven, where 
neither moth nor rust can corrupt." Nor was he ashamed 
to confess Christ before men, in partaking of the Holy 
Sacrament in obeyance to the command: "Do this in re- 
membrance of me." His christian deportment and conver- 
sation were apparent to all, and lie has truly left an exam- 
ple worthy of imitation. Altliough in the enjoyment of 
worldly prosperit}^, and occupying his new and beautiful 
residence, in circumstances where pride so easily besets the 
human heart, he was just as humble as in the isolated 
cottage. Before its completion his beautiful home was 
consecrated to prayer, and made a habitation for God. 

One of the last acts previous to his death was to construct 
a fence enclosing the family burial ground, through the 
gate of which his own mortal remains were the first to be 
borne. 



YAPIIANK AS IT WAS. 161 

There nuiy tlicy lie in peace until the mornin*^; of the R«*- 
suirection ; and, if we believe that "Jesus died and rose 
again," "even so them also who sleep in Jesus will God 
bring with Him/' 

A sad day, a sad lioui- it was when Hewlett Hawkins 
was laid in the dark and stilly tomb. Every Spring the 
warm ze])liyrs fan the sweet tlowers tliat bloom ovcm- his 
grave, and the cruel frost of Autumn cuts down the w aving 
grasses, as Death's pale charge cuts down the bright and 
promising man. 



11 



Part Third. 



F A C T S A N I ) I-^ A X C I E S ; 

OR, 

'riilTII AND TiUKLKS IIOII.KI) DOWN. 



pAirr 'niiKD, 



THE FAILINGS UK THE PEOPLE. 

GOSSII>IN(;— COVETOUSNKSS — " RrslIING '' ENTEKPKISK. 

There are black sheep in every fold, and deceptive gran- 
dees in all society. No village is complete without a 
town ])uni]). where the feminine ])ortion can draw np and 
lower down the characters, wealth, and social standing of 
neighbors and acquaintances. As long, as long as the world 
revolves, so long, so long will old maids and young, discuss 
the pr«;valent gossip over the histoiical tea-tabl^ I 

A stranger visits the place. No mattei- about rln- s«-x ; 
Miss Grundy must first inspect, and establish h«M- v«-rdict, 
l)efoi'»^ her devot(Ml followers will unmask thfir batt«^ries. 
If rich, third, fourth and fifth cousins will th.ck down like 
the frogs into Egyi>t, and ()vertl(»w with kiiidin'ss. TIih past 
rei)utation is of no consequence. Tiii- elfgaiil and iftined 
grasp lieartily the callous palm, and smile uixm the marks 
of the wash-tub. Money flings open the aristociatic gate, 
and gold paves the road where the " heavy" are wont to 

ramble. 

Whatever excites the village, .Mr. So-and-So is surely the 
procreator ; and stories, like siiowballs, increase in size as 
they are rolled around. 

Yai)hankers have three failings, viz: (Gossiping. Covet 
ousness, and "Rushing'' Enterprise. The first is mii- 
versal, the second is senai, and the thii'd demi-semi. Too 



166 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

much enterprise proves pernicious. Ah ! the fate of am- 
bitious Yaphank ! 

GOSSIPING. 

Gossiping is innate witli some, and easily acquired by 
others. No one escapes their cruelty. A book filled with 
Yaphank gossip would be more thrilling and interesting 
than any model effort of a Lytton or Scott. When our full 
complement is at home, no phice of its size can equal 
Yaphank for gossip in tlie known world. The four winds 
of Heaven toss mail bags through their doors, and the Moon 
tells them hidden tales. It is impossible to please a gos- 
siper, for 

" We may go tli rough the world ; but 'tAvill be very slow, 
If we listen to all that is said as we go ; 
We'll be worried and fretted and kept in a stew. 
For meddlesome tongues must have something to do — 

For people will talk ! 

" If quiet and modest, 'twill then be presumed 
That your humble position is only assumed ; 
You're a wolf in sheep's clothing, or else you're a fool, 
But don't get excited ; keep perfectly cool — 

For people will talk ! 

" If threadbare your coat, or old-fashioned your dress. 
Some one, of course, will take notice of this. 
And hint, rather close, that you can't pay your way. 
But don't get excited, whatever they say — 

For people will talk! 

" If you dress in the fashion don't think to escape. 
For they criticise then in a far diiferent shape. 
You're ahead of your means, or you're bills are unpaid, 
But mind your own business, and keep straight ahead — 

For people will talk ! 



FACTS AM) FAXriKfi. 1(57 

" Tlicy will talk tine bcfbri- yoii, l)iit iIkmi at your liack, 
Of" vciium :iii(i spilt' then- is lu'vcr a lack; 
]U)W kind ami politt- is till that tlioy say, 
l)Ut l>ilt('i- as L^all wlieii yuiii'ic out of the way — 

Oh ! people must lalk I 

" (iood tVifiitl, lake my advice and do as you please, 
For your mind (if yo\i have one) will tlicn be at ease; 
Through life yon will meet with all sorts of abuse, 
Ibil don't think to stop tlicin, 'twill be of no ns( — 

l-'or people w ill l.dk I" 
COVK'KM^SNFSS. 

Tile Scripture saitli, " 'riic spiiit tliat (Iw.-jli'tji in us 
liistt'tli to nivy," It is a coinmoii failiim that low an- will- 
iuu- toconrrss they are beset witii : and if Moses ke]»t break- 
ing tJK' Tell Commandments, oj- obliioratfd thoTonili. moio 
exe!iii)larv cliurcliinen would abound than now receive 
that '• coveted " api)e]latioii. The '"root of all eviT'i^ener- 
all\' supports the tree of covc^ousness, and iliiis. tlio inoie 
inan nets the more he wants. The wealthy of <;very town 
and vilbige are generally the most covetous, and the world 
and community are never better for I7ieir existence. 

Show me the sticcessfal, gras])ing men of any ])lace, and 
1 will name the covetous ones. It is the most debasing 
obstacle in the world to true Christianity ; a rock upon 
whi(di many unsuspecting ones are wrecked, and go down 
where the blind never see. 

" ui'SHi N(; " K.N ri;i:iM:isK. 

The proof that there can exist too mu(di enterprise is 
startlingiy verified in this "Gem of the forests." Tlie 
screams of our factories shock the nerves of the aged, and 
their smoke choke the dormant villagers ; while the shouts 
of merry workmen startle the cattle on the iiillside, and send 
old women into hysterics. The voice of Improvement 



168 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

thunders over the hills, and down into tlie quiet valleys, 
rousing the sleepy yeomen from their long lethargy, and 
scattering surprise and astonishment ever^^where. Who 
says too mucli enterprise is not destructive \ Ah ! the fate 
of Yaphank ! 

OUR SOLID MEN 

" Can't bear the idea of Yaphank being as large as N. Y. 
City." Seems hard, too! "Crime can and will hide 
its black form in the bosom of a great city ; and vice 
allure the unwary and innocent into its dark embrace," 
say our Solid Men. That is the reason land can't be 
bought to build a second New York, I suppose ! They 
also say, " That in a large town or cit3% none inhale 
the sweet air of security breathed by the dwellers in 
a quiet village." Too bad ! Well, the public never can 
declare our "Gem of the woods" a second Gotham of the 
Western World. Too much vice in towns for Solid Men ! 



II. 

TllK JiKNKFU'K.NClO OF V Al'll AX K KIJS. 

Notliing is peculiar about th('}K'ii»'ti(!enc(* of Ya])liaiikers, 
except the fountain from wliicli it springs. Hen* tlie poor 
give tlieir mites witli a smile, and the rich stand guard over 
their coffers, 'i'o lide through the village, strangei-s would 
declare Yaj)liaMk a cold, inhospitable place ; inhabited by 
selfish, disagreeable people. But if snot true. Yaphank 
ers, as a people, are charital)le; and no place of its size 
contributes more toward supporting the Word of God and 
liushing the crit^s of the poor. It is onl}^ the rich of Yaj)- 
hank that are uncharitable; the poor and well-to-do are 
generous. 

One can count with the fingers the men who darken the 
name of Yaphank, and blanket its munificence. They can 
be found in the church, and their names are familiar in the 
business circles. Sucli are a curse to civilization I They 
block up the roads and highways, and swarm whtM-e their 
presence is pernicious. Yaphank never will pros})ei- until 
these men balance tlieir accounts and rest where the "wootl- 
bine twinetii." 

A stranger, soliciting alms, passed through Ya])liank. 
He entered a gentleman's house, and asked for monej- and 
food. The gentleman told him he was poor, and had not 
money to sliower on strangers. He is a steady churchman, 
and worth over fifty thousand dollars. 

" Y^'ou appear comfortal)le ; have a nice house, furniture, 
and clothing," rei)lied the stranger ; " while I am sick, and 
have a large family dei)ending on me for bread.'' The 
sti-anger retired without comfort. 



170 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

There are men here who have retired from business, and 
live off tlieir income, who shut their doors on the jioor, and 

send them to Mr. for alms; informing the solicitor 

that '-''lie is able, and willing to give." The poor man's 
sky is made no brighter, or his wants less, by the philan- 
thropical virtue of some Yaphankers. But, thank God, 
there are generous exceptions ! 

Oh ! how long will the poor cry for bread ! How long will 
thousands die in abjectness and poverty in this world of 
abundance ! How long will hundreds live in an Eden of 
plenty, and tliousands in huts of want ! 

The interrogation re-echoes from the unfilled mouths of 
thousands of widows and orphans, "How long V 

A very pious old lady is a member of the Yaphank 
Presbyterian Church. She is the wife of a wealthy and 
retired citizen ; and never wearies in lifting sinners out of 
the mire of the world. It is her joy to gather childien into 
the Sabbath School, and tell them the " sweet story of old." 
She visits the homes of the poor. She crosses their thres- 
holds with God's love swelling her heart to exuberance. 
She pats the ragged urchins on the head, and pours into 
their ears the tale of the Cross. She tells them if they are 
good and pious cliildren, she will meet them in Heaven one 
day. But she never will ! She is uncharitable. She entei's 
the homes of poverty ; but not to ease the bodily pains. 
The ointment of Heaven she freely bestows, and mistakes 
the haggard, pinched features for Heavenly smiles. She 
reads God's Word blindly, and believes a continual shout- 
ing in His favor the direct road to the Kingdom. There 
are many Christians like her in Yaphank. God grant their 
eyes may be opened on this side of the waters ; for Lazarus 
cooleth no tongues ! 



iir. 

MOKAJ. AM) IMMOUAI. ^AI'IIANK. 

-MOKAI, VAIMIANK. 

It is not my intention to dwell protnu^tedly (»ii this ctlii- 
cal subject. An unquestionable ])erson or place r<(iuiies 
no redeemer. The inl)orn virtues foiiu an impenetrable bar- 
rier, and paint an unassuming but una])i)roacliable picture 
for ]iublic ins})ection. Trul3\ an untarnished title re(|uires 
no aid to i)lact^ it upon a favorable basis. The exem])lary 
life of Washington (!an be told in a \'e\v words, wliile the 
varied career of the traitorous Arnold would occii])y col- 
umns. 

In reviewing the morality of Yaphank, and coin]»aiing 
with foreign samples, lam decid(^dl3' convinced that we have 
as sound and tiied morality in our retired little village as 
abounds in other towns of more prominence, and far Ixildei- 
pretensions ; the denizens of which ever delight in speak- 
ing and writing encomiasticall}^ of their ])eo])le and Chris- 
tian advancement. 

I believe the elixir of Chiistianity consists not in i>harisa- 
ical pompousness and absurd boasting of one's spiritual 
virtues; and that the reverberating echoes of individual 
horns are no moie a veriticationof individual greatness than 
the ass's bray is a proof of his fondness for oats. A man's 
virtues are confirmed by liis deeds ; which fact is })lainly 
established in the biographies of all truly immortal moial 
men. 

Tlie majority of our citizens aie moial, highly respectable, 
and all pertaining thereto ; and if less inclined toward the 
mountain of self-aggrandizement and exaltation, and 



172 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

more curbed tlieir avariciousness and worldly lusts, I 
should be spared the painful duty of writing even a limited 
account of the immorality abounding here. 

My friends and the public will expect and justly require 
of me an impartial and correct description of Yaphank and 
the people ; and I shall endeavor to complete the obliga- 
tions of my undertaking and present to the reading public 
what every town, city and county should — an authentic his- 
tory of the inhabitants and place. 

It is impossible to write in laudation of one without mak- 
ing a contradictor and opponent of another ; and men who 
write, confining themselves to partial and relative limits, 
can never be regarded as reliable historians. 

IMMORAL YAPHANK. 

What more enlightened villages would term guileless 
amusement, moral and over-strenuous Yaphank would de- 
clare shockingly wicked. 

While frolics are in vogue, the good congregate to offer 
prayers for the giddy and rend their "titles clear." One 
foot must belong to the church, or the frequenters of the 
unholy ball-rooms are beyond redemj^tion. 

It has originated no little amusement among strangers 
visiting this hidden oasis of the woods, regarding the forced 
detestation some institute against that most pleasurable of 
our harmless pastimes, "a good country hop." Gene- 
rally they cannot dance themselves, and never attempted 
the "useless and immoral amusement." But, as fast as they 
master the art, their enthusiasm overcomes their previous 
aversion, and it is astonishing the number of "hops" these 
"moral" ones will "get up" through the agency of some 
veteran dancer. Shy at first in instigating these "evil 
gatherings," they become more and more enraptured with 
the harmless enjoyment, and are soon catalogued — by those 
yet ignorant of the delightful art— among the irreparably 
lost. 



FACTS AND FA NCI IN. 173 

If "tripping tlie liglit" will debar any from that lu^aven- 
\y choir, how many innocent ones will "pass in" their 
checks at Hades! Oh I ye Gospel-makers of cant and 
dollars — of free love and anti-local-einptions, seek not for 
an occasion to come in contact with those who prefer danc- 
ing their way to the Great Unfathomed to living a lethargi- 
cal career of valueless gossip in mansions built of glass ! 



IV. 
YAPHANK AS IT WAS. 

WHAT COMPRISED YAPHANK IN 1800 — YAPHANK MILLS 
AND THEIK HISTORY — THE OLD GRANTS— WHY YAP- 
PHANK WAS NOT A CITY, 

YAPHANK IN 1800. 

In the early days Yapliank — Middle Island — Millville — 
was an almost unknown liamlet of about twenty houses. 

To give its present inhabitants a brief idea of what con- 
stituted Yaphank in 1800, I will mention and situate the 
old land -marks that have been swept away by the cruel 
waves of time. 

The number and sites of the cottages were as follows : 
One by the present residence of James Weeks, and an old 
dilapidated structure near the house of Appollas Mills, late 
deceased. Another near the site of Gerard's grist-mill — the 
home of Jonas Buckingham. One upon the ground where 
the house of the late William Albin now stands. The Paul 
Terry homestead was then a "palatial mansion ; " it is moie 
familiarly known as the "old John Owen house." The 
building still stands, and is the property of J. P. Mills. 
Esq. 

A one- story house was situated upon the banks of th^ 
river, about twenty rods south of Richard Hawkins' late 
residence— the supposed home and property of Samuel 
Randall, Sr. Another ancient cottage reared its moss-em- 
bellished chimneys about ten rods east of D. D. Sweezy's 
hacienda ; and one near the site of Samuel Norten's domi- 
ciliation. An almost antediluvian dwelling stood west of 



FAOTS AND FANCIES. 175 

the tamoiis " V^allry Farm Ilofcl,"' now tlie estate of Al lied 
Reid, Sr., but bettfi- known as tlif home of tlie late Dea. 
Simmons Laws. 

The old farm-liousi; owmnl and occupied by Edmund 
Homan was a fashionable cottage in 1800 ; and Nathaniel 
Tuthiirs store-iiouse another goodly dwelling. A few rods 
north of V. H. Sweezy's residence stood an old store and 
dwelling attached, owned and kept by the atta})le Jonah 
Hawkins. The frame was removed and is now Mr. Swee- 
zy's carriage- house. I)eej)ly iml)eddetl in an old V)eam in 
that frame is the bullet that hurled .John Sweezy into a 
suicide's grave. He was I). 1>. and V. R. Sweezy' s uncle, 
and a brother of the notorious ('hristopher Sweezy. 

Near by Robert Hawkins' domicile, where the public 
road is now established, stood another old land-mark. 
Northward nestled what is now the Sell's estate. Still 
farther toward the Polar Star was another ancient habita- 
tion. There Daniel Hammond dwelt and reared a sturdy 
family of giants — among them the famous John. 

Next in order comes tlie old Homan homestead — an 
estate owned b}- tiu' Justly [popular Esquire Mordecai 
Homan. and by the Ilomau family, for over two hundred 
years. There the old 'Scpiire conducted the financial attairs 
of Brookhaven Town foi- forty-two years. There a large 
family grew u)) around him. and there his spirit passedinto 
eternal rest. Tliree more (hvellings stood upon the Homan 
estate, and with probably one or two unnoticed in the vi- 
cinity, Vai)iiank — in 1800— was a farming settlement of about 
twenty houses. 



YAPHANK MILLS AND THEIR HISTORY. 

THE OLD GRANTS — WHY YAPHANK WAS NOT A LOWELL AND 
ROCHESTER COMBINED. 

THE OLD GRANTS. 

The people who daily gaze upon these stately old struc- 
tures, hardly realize the great metamorphosis they have 
passed through. 

Sturdy men bore the grists of the old-time tillers of the 
surrounding farms, and the same pretty lakes carried the 
groaning stones for our forefathers in the eighteenth century. 

The upper miUs were first erected, and were built by a 
Capt. Robert Robinson, in 1739. In the old Town Record 
of Brookhaven is recorded the following Grant for the Up- 
per Mills : 

"At a meeting of the Trustees of Brookhaven Town, on 
the 12th of February, 1739, there were present, Capt. 
Robert Robinson, Samuel Thompson, Eleazer Hawkins, 
John Smith, Richard Floyd, Thomas Strong, and Nathaniel 
Roe. It was voted and agreed on and granted by the Trus- 
tees of the Town, that Capt. Robert Robinson shall have 
liberty to build a mill or mills on Connecticut River, above 
the going-over, where William Gerard now lives, at any 
place where he shall think convenient; and we, the said 
Trustees, do confirm unto the said Robert Robinson, 
and his heirs, forever, the full benefit of the said river — 
that is to say, the Town's right for the above said use — for 
the consideration of six shillings. To us in hand paid ; and 
if he or his heirs shall improve the same, and build a mill 
or mills thereon, within the space of six years, or in some 



FACTS AND FANPrES. 1 77 

convenipiit spucc of time altfr. Otherwise, to return to ^n'ul 
Town." 

Twenty-tliree years afterwards John Ilonian aj)pli«'(l for 
and received a ^rant to erect a saw mill about one mih' l)c- 
h)w. The following is a fac-simile in words of the grant 
given lo John lloman for the privilege* to biiihl :« saw mill 
in Lower Vaphank, in 1762 : 

"At the Town Meeting i)n the 1st day of Nov., 1762, 
the Trustees then prescMit, voted and agreed that John 
lloman shall have liberty to build a saw mill on Connecti- 
cut *Rivev, beh)W his house, adjoining to his land ; but not 
to prejudice or hinder the going of the Upper Mill in :inv 
nianner, for the sum of forty shillings. 

'' But not to build any grist mill thereon without the leave 
and order of the Trustees. And the said John Homandoth 
agree and bind himself, his heirs and assignees, to build a 
good and sufficient saw mill thereon, within the space of 
three years from this date ; and to keep the same iu good 
and sufficient rejtair, and to saw at the rates of other saw 
mills ; and upon the whole and faithful jjerformance of the 
above conditions, then the stream thereto to remain to him 
and his heirs. But, if any failure be made in the full and 
comj)lete ]ierformance of the above conditions, or an}' ])art 
thereof, then this agreement to be void, and the whole 
promivses to return and be again vested in the Trustees and 
their successors as fully as if this agreement was never 
made. 

" And the said John Homan has liberty, also, to build a 
fulling mill thereon, if he sees lit, upon the same conditions 
and limits." 

In 1771, tlie same gentleman received a grant to build a 
grist null near or upon the same dam with his saw-mill ; 
and in the old Record is found the following curious restric- 
tions and conditions of the grant : 

, /'At a meeting of the Trustees on the 4th day of February. 
1771, there were present, Jonathan Thompson, Benajiah 
Strong, William Floyd, Eleazer Hawkins, Kichiird Wood 

13 



178 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

hull, and Joseph Brewster. At this meeting the said 
Trustees covenanted and agreed with Daniel Homan — that 
is to say, have granted and given liberty on their part, 
unto the said Daniel Homan, and to his heirs and assignees, 
that he or they may build a grist mill on the same stream, 
and at the place or dam where his saw mill now stands, 
with the conditions and restrictions following: That the 
said Daniel Homan shall complete the said mill for grind- 
ing, within the space of two years from this date ; and also 
after tliat time, shall keep an approved miller, and also the 
said Homan shall take for toll three quarts and no more, 
out of each bushel of all sorts of grain which he or they 
may grind from time to time. Also, he shall always keep 
a bolting mill with a good country cloth, always to be 
freely used by those who have their grain ground at his 
mill. 

''And, if the said Homan doth make default in the 
above agreement and covenant, then this above agreement 
and grant shall be void, and the same shall return to the 
Town and be the same as if it had not been granted. In 
witness thereof, I have set my hand of day and date as 
above written. 

" Daniel Homan." 



WHY YAPHANK was NOT A LOWELL AND A ROCHESTER. 

Connected with the Lower Mills is an interesting history. 
Yaphank would have certainly been a Lowell and a 
Rochester had James Weeks and William Sidney Smith 
carried out their scheme. 

While the Long Island Railroad was being built, the 
grain crops all over the country were failures, and wheat 
and other staple produce were imported from Germany and 
other European nations. 

Messrs. Weeks and Smith purchased the Lower Mills of 
old Robert Hawkins, in 1836, and began what they should 
have terminated. 



FACTS A\n FANf'IES. 179 

Tlip faihufs of the irmin cmjis, and "Nfessrs. Wct-ks' and 
Smith's infliuMic*' in the bnilding of tin' railroad, originat^'d 
their sclienie. 

They intended to bring the railroad in direct coniitc lion 
with their mills, impoi't wlu-at from (Termany, grind it into 
Hour at their mill, and transport it by the railroad over the 
Island and country. 

To make Ya])hank a Low(dl, they built a woolen factory 
near their other mills, and again began what they 
sliould have terminated. Why Yaphank is not a Lowell 
and a Rochester, is because Messrs. Smith and Weeks did 
not make it so ! 



V. 

OUR DIMINUTIVE YALE. 

THE YAPHANK DISTRICT SCHOOL AND ITS HISTORY — THE 
SCHOOL-HOUSE — PAST AND PRESENT. 

THE SCHOOL-HOUSE. 

This neat little octagonal building, with its pretty obser- 
vatory as an apex, stands lonely and unadorned in an open, 
unenclosed lot, opposite the residence of Doc. James I. 
Baker. 

Around and within it are the indelible marks of the 
ruthless propensities of Young America. 

The village school-house ! How meagre and unsensa- 
tional seems the name of those thousands of isolated repos- 
itories of learning that sparkle in the quiet valleys, on the 
wooded hill-sides, and on the plains of our boundless Home 
of the Free ! How many shouts of genuine happiness, and 
peals of healthy laughter, liave echoed from those cabins of 
youthful struggles. 

How fondly we all — but boys and girls of larger growth 
— cherish the memories of our scliool days ! How the heart 
is stirred when the recollections of those pleasant hours 
bring back to us the merry voices of playmates who now 
are sleeping the long, long sleep ; and whose paths of 
pleasure, and school-books torn and defaced, are forever 
forgotten in that golden Mansion of harps and sweet 
rewards ! 

How the unbidden tears trickle down our cheeks as we 
stand, in memory, by the little grave of a dear playmate, 
who laid down his books to die ! and how silently the tears 



FACTS AND FANCIES. 181 

are vaiiishpd by the recollections of the many boyish bat- 
tles of tiiose })iii^iiacioiis followers of the '' eleiiieiirary ' 
Webster ! 

How we smile as we anaiii ''stand at the head of the 
class," or sullenly walk down the iiiirrow aisln, and shud- 
der at the stern command (<i '• liold out your liiind, sir!" 

How clearly the loguisli faces we saw on tln^ " last day 
of school" are transformed into a panorama of inter- 
mingled joy and sorrow ! and how distinctly we saw in the 
boy and girl the coming man and woman. 

Why should one speak in scornful depreciation of a 
country school-house ? Do we ever stop to think, in these 
times of costly colleges and institutions of classical refine- 
ment, that men whose api)('llations are written in letters 
of living tire, and wliose names will never be forgotten, once 
carved with the tiaditional Jack-knife the rude outlinns of 
those self-same names upon the rough walls of a log 
school- house ? 

Do we ever stop to consider, in these days of Yale honors 
and Harvard laurels, whether the edifice makes the man, 
or the college course the true gentleman ? 

Will my friends in Yaphank accept the flattery, when I 
assure them, that the noble father of their country — Cfen. 
George Washington — never threw spit-balls witiiin as 
"grand a room," or stole kisses from the attending l)elles 
of as "nice" a school as we have in Yaphank 'i 

It is a false conception the lads and lassies of modern 
times maintain, when they believe that architectural giaii- 
deur is the favored producer of superior intellect; and as 
evervtiiing — ever so humble may it be — has a history, I 
shall endeavor to give the one coherent with the 

YAIMIANK DISTRICT SCIIOOL-TIOUSE — PAST AND PRESENT. 

For many, many years, the young ideas of the past 
generations struggled to master the rustic classics in a little, 
red-painted, boxed-up shanty, bearing the half admissible 



182 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

name of a school-house, that stood alone in an old field in 
the almost extreme upper part of Upper Yaphank. 

There old 'Squire Mordecai Homan once ''ruled up" 
the aggravating- delinquencies of liis home-spun pupils, and 
there William C. Booth and Brewster Saxton explained the 
mysteries of the half-explored globe. There William J. 
Weeks left the head-lights of his boyish propensities. 
There J. P. Mills, the acknowledged Governor and pomp- 
ous potentate, engraved the transplendent star of his dry- 
"•oods and hardware fame, in the outlines of the dim one his 
father carved before him. There Richard S. Homan and 
Noah T. Sweezy, the former now dead, but both once 
prominent New York merchants, jumped the whirling rope 
and kissed the village belles. Indeed, nearly every old 
gentleman now living in Y^'aphank, and mau}^ that have 
gone down the sunset-way, and many that have made 
bright names in the world, took their initiatory step in 
education in that old school -house. 

Generations grew up, and the advance of railroads and 
science advanced the tastes of the people. In 1856 the dear 
old ship that had borne so many minds out of the breakers 
of ignorance into the sea of knowledge was abandoned as a 
landmark of old times, and a new and very convenient 
building was erected in Central Yaphank. 

A prime mover in its erection was William J. Weeks, 
Esq., wlio, although he suffered much opposition in the 
movement, at last achieved his praiseworthy object. The 
busts of Washington, Franklin, Webster and Clay embel- 
lish the walls of the school-room, and were presented by 
Mr. Weeks. 

Mr. Weeks has in his possession a vast amount of man- 
uscript matter pertaining to the district affairs, written and 
compiled during the school war of 1854, '55 and '56. The 
children were getting education under difficulties. Mr. 
Weeks took more interest in their welfare than did their 
parents. He suffered abuse because he wished the district 



FAPTS AND P'ANCIKS. 183 

to abandon the old shell of a house that stood " conveni 
ently out of the way," and build the neat and attractive 
one that hard work, and plenty of it on his part, at last 
erected for tiuMu. Who tfinnks h'lnif 



VI. 

YAPHANK CEMETERY ASSOCIATION. 

MAKE MY GRAVE IIST THE WILDWOOD — WHY ARE OUR DEAD 
PROMISCUOUSLY BURIED? — AN ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENT. 

MAKE MY GRAVE IN THE WILDWOOD. 

are words that never will be heard from the dying lips of 
tlie most romantic in the coming age of splendid cemeteries. 

The poet Percival may slumber sweetly in his lonely 
grave at Hazel Green, Wis., with only an evergreen to 
mark his resting-place, and Edgar A. Poe lie tranquil and 
calm in an unmarked grave, but the coming poet will never 
die happily without the important assurance that the awful 
vault and pale marble will characterize the solemnities of 
his remembrance. 

The living fashionables who love to sleep in the city while 
in life, as a counterpart, wish to sleep in the "city of the 
deap " when they roll up the warp of life ; and a weeping- 
willow over a lone grave in the quiet valley has no charm 
for the repose of their decaying mortality. 

The old-time usages of burying the dead, and the manner 
in which they were distributed, causes us to exclaim : 

HOW LONG WILL OUR DEAD BE PROMISCUOUSLY BURIED? 

In Yaphank there are over half a dozen burying 
plots. Some are family grounds, and some are moss-cov- 
ered remnants of a broken-down church. Here and there 
by the road-side, and in the deeper secludes, lay the sleep- 
ing dead. 



FACTS AND FANCIKS. Igft 

It' was an 

ABSOLUTE RKQUIREMKNT, 

when the cemetery movement began in Yaphank, and to 
the founders of the Association — although many declared it 
but a speculation — is due much ]irais(' for tht-ir thoiiglitful 
enterprise and consideration. 

It was organized according to Statute in 1870. Six- 
Trustees w(nv f^HctHd, viz. : John Hammond, Alfred Ack- 
erly, Samuel Smith, John P. Mills, S3'lvester Homan, and 
James I. Baker. Sylvester Homan was elected President, 
John P. Mills Treasurer, and JauK^s 1. Baker Secretary. 

The}^ are so classilied that two Trustees are elected ever}' 
year. Four acres of land were purchased at a cost of about 
five hundred and fifty dollars. The object of the Associa- 
tion is to mak«^ a permanent burial place, free from denom- 
ination or church ; also, that plots could be purchased and 
controlled, which is }>rohibited in church-yards. 

A neat, substantial fence has been erected, and as the 
funds increase, the grounds are to be ornamented and 
made attractive. 

Every person purchasing a lot becomes a member, and 
consequently enjoys a voice in its proceedings. No profits 
can accrue to any individual member, but be used in grad- 
ing, fencing, &c.. or be invested by the Association as ptM- 
Revised Statute relating to Rural Cemeteries. 



VII. 
TEMPERANCE IN YAPHANK. 

THE NOBLE CAUSE AND ITS SUSTAINERS — A BRIEF SKETCH. 
THE NOBLE CAUSE AND ITS SUSTAINERS. 

Early in the Fall of 1872, a uiovement was started by 
some enthusiastics to found an order in Y . 

The foes of the bottle besieged the philanthropy of our 
church supporters, and begged sympathy and assistance. 
The young indefatigables read the reports of the extent of 
the good work in neighboring villages, and soon became 
stirred into the preternatural longing to unfurl the same 
glorious pennant over this obscure home of — not decidedly 
unquestionable "spirits." 

The pillars of the church were absolutely conservative. 
Its supporters, with bank accounts amounting to many 
thousands, were too poor (?) to experiment in nonsensical 
undertakings, and no sunbeams ever fell from that quarter. 
Everywhere rang the war cry of temperance. The warriors 
of " spiritual peace ' ' were digging up the tomahawks of 
total abstinence, and were laying the corner-stones of sobri- 
ety in every hamlet and village around us ; but no "red 
war on red wine" was begun in Yaphank. 

Were we to be ever exempt from the allurements of tlie 
fiery fiend ? Were our sons to go out into the world witli 
the bad example of Ciiristians as their " cloud of fire C 

The rumsellers smiled upon us, and the habitual drunk- 
ard gave us the hand of reformation, but Ciiristians refused 
us aid ! The men who humbled tliemselves in prayei-, and 
whose hopes were beyond "the things of earth," stood 



KAPTS AND KANCIKS. 187 

aloof and smilingly i^rfdicted failure. Sneers and Jeers 
echoed from lips wft with rhe " d«'\v8 of Heaven," and U'lu 
peranee received :iii iiiiwt'lcoiiit' ii:n'etiii,t;- in rh»- precincts <»f 
Christianity'. 

Our young people — God bless them — organized, and be- 
gan tlie slow, tedious march, unaided by mature minds. 
They added their link to the great fraternal chain, and })e- 
gan drawing the fallen from the })its of drunk. mi d. 'grada- 
tion. They clasped hearts and hands of conimisei-ation 
wnth other orders, and avowed themselves champions of a 
truly great cause. 

The good ones guarded the contribution box to the in- 
terest of the "Missionary Fund,'' and cheerfully sent aid 
and healing balms to the tar-oft" Soutli Sea Islands. 

Dear reader ! can it be that they paused to think of the 
broken homes, the broken hearts, and the broken ties rum 
was rearing up around them i Can it be that tliey heard 
the cries of the innocent ones that were hurled into the cold, 
cold world to tight its batth's alone ^ Could they have 
heard th<' widows' lamentations and the orphans' cries that 
arose in their midst, when they poured out the "milk of 
human kindness" for untamed and unappreciating heathens 
in the far-ott' Indies ( No, it cannot be I It cannot be that 
these followers of the "only true and living" thus de- 
nounced the cause unworthy, and its sustainers unscrupu- 
lous, after earnest meditation I 

It must have been a prejudice against moral improve- 
ment, or an hereditary inclination to sleep the sleep ot tra- 
ditionary Rip Van Winkle, that caused their wicked oppo- 
sition; for we don't lind them among the Rumselleis' 
Union, or among the mass of bloated sots. 

Temperance I ah ! what has it done ( 

It has torn down old brew.-ries and drinking lid Is, and 
unfurled the stainless tiag over polluted sod ! It has made 
thousands of homes ha]>]»y and peaceful, and gladdened 
thousands of broken hearts I It luis diied the widow's 
tears and hushed the orphan's cries ! It has hurled its 



188 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

shafts of conviction through tavern windows, and snatched 
that buyer and seller of human souls from behind his glit- 
tering vases of deadly poisons, penitent and reformed be- 
fore the world ! Temperance has done all this ! aye, more ! 
and yet the high and good worked detrimental to the 
cause ! 

Do the}^ term it a Christian spirits Do they believe God 
will uphold them ? No ! Temperance is a humane cause. 
The Bible tells them so, their each conscience tells them so, 
and their observation confirms it all. 

Without it, America with her vaunted power and wealth, 
would follow imperial Rome and down-trodden Ireland, and 
the fate of every town would eventually be the fate of an- 
cient Babylon. 

It was not my intention to give my readers a temperance 
lecture, when I began ; thus I will forbear ere I weary my 
patient reader with superfluous additions to an historical 
sketch of Division No. 78. The public is our jury, and 
you, dear reader, must officiate as your own judge. You 
can easily define the spirit that rules Yaphank, and as 
easily picture the obstacles that always obstruct our 
way to improvement. 

But after much trouble, expecting aid where we only re- 
ceived ieers and opposition, it has steadily moved into the 
brilliant ranks of the noble army, and at last throws out a 
beacon-light to guide the "reeling" ships safe over the 
Bottle Rocks, with forty enthusiastic, hard-working mem- 
bers to defend against the taunts of the foe, and to keep 
ever brighter the Heaven-directing beacon. 

A BRIEF SKETCH. 

In March, 1873, the first officers were duly installed by 
E. H. Hopkins, Grand Scribe of Eastern Grand Division of 
New York, and P. G. W. P. William T. Parsons. The 
order was instituted in the main body of the Presbyteiian 
Church, and from the 15th of that month temperance has 
been a bright reality in Yaphauk. 



FACTS AND FANCIER. 189 

From Man;li intli. 1878, imfil AprW 1st, 1874, tli.' meet- 
ings \v<'n' held ill tli«' basement of tln' Presbyterian ('liurch, 
when an unpleasantness arose between certain members of 
l)()lli societies, and the Division was comjx'lled to vacate tln^ 
bricked-up repository <if <;oodness. 

Until July 14tli, 1874, the homes (►f itienibns w. re abiding 
l)laces, when, through the influence of the Worthy Patri- 
arch then elected, and the kindness of Doc. James T. Baker 
oinmodious .Ba])tist Cliuich was secured as a hall. The 
church was moved to Comsewogue soon after, and the Divi- 
sion was again " adrift !" The inhospitality of Yaphank is 
plainly apparent when it is obviously known that ])eople 
dcm't only '' leave the place," but take their houses too. 

KOSWELL V. DAVIS. 

This much-esteemed young man, who, by the way, is an 
untiring temperance man, has engraved his name and niem 
cry in his many indelible deeds of kindness, on the hearts 
of all who are fortunate enough to have made his acquaint- 
ance. 'Tis the moral worth of a true man that endears Ros- 
well Davis to his friends, for he has no foes. May his sky 
never darken, may the flowers ever bloom in his pathway 
through life, and may he ever find friends in those he has 
befriended. God bless his efforts ! 

The following are the names of all the W . Ps. and R. Ss. 
who have officiated since the date of organiziition, March 
16th, 1873: 

Term. Worthy Patriarchs. 187;J. Tkrm. Hecoroing Scribes. 



1st. — Alfred Reid, Ji-. 

2d.— ClIAHLES \V. TUAIN. 

3d. — R. E. Hammond. 

4th.— S. F. HoMAN. 

No. Charter Members II 

No. Initiations 24 



1st.- \V. II. Reid. 
■2d.— - •• '• 
3d.— A. E. Reid. 
4th. — Addie E. Train-. 



190 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

Term. Worthy Patriarchs. 1874. Term. Recording Scribes. 



5th. — Charles W. Train. 
6tli.— Doc. E. H. S. HoLDEN. 
7th. — RoswELL V. Davis. 
8th. — L. Beecher Homan. 



5th.— A. E. Reid. 
6th.—" '^ •' 
7th.~" •' " 
I8th.--" " " 



No. Initiated 14 

No. Expelled 1 

No. Withdrawn 8 

No. Members 45 



\ III. 

OUR RELIGTOilS H(3MES. 

THE CKN'iKKS oF ( II IMSTl A NITY IN V A I'll A \K TH KI K HIS- 
TORY, KTC. 

What would tlif world be without its sanctuaries and 
Sabbath-schools ? How lon^i; would our laws be enforced 
and decorum sustained, if it were not for God's temples 
that dot the land i Men would trauiple each other down in 
the great struggle for wealth and position, and women 
would become crazy in tiie hot-beds of vanity and vice, 
fashion and frivolity. Christianity is the great barrier that 
keeps our lusts within control, and that curbs our wild 
passions for emoluments and glory. 

Men and women love to have a place where they can as- 
semble together and exchange the whirl and excitements of 
the race for wealth and fame, for the nourishing and solid 
food that so stimulates the crazed mind and wearied body. 

Six days of bustle and trade upon the streets and in the 
marts causes the reasonable minds to pause on the seventh. 
and exclaim: " How hard would be the drudgery of life 
if it were not for the sweet rest and sweeter words God 
gives us on the Sabbath I" 

How the tired man and Jaded beast must love the peal- 
ing Sabbath bells ; and how sweet the voices of God's ser- 
vants must break upon the ear as they ]>onr out the cheer- 
ing nectar, that the business world may sip and gather u]) 
strength for the six toilsome days that surely come. 

Thus it is the sanctuary — where the bread of life is broken 
and where the burde/ied heart is relieved — that makes us 
respect the laws of the land, and causes us to turn our eyes 



192 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

from the fading tilings of life and toward the great inevit- 
able and Him wlio so wisely vouchsafed to man, a day and 
place to change and cheer his heart. 

THE YAPHANK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

Tlie Presbyterian Churcli, at Yaphank, was erected in 
the year of our Lord 1851, by the Presbyterian Society of 
Yaphank. 

Our people must have had an understanding of the sim- 
plicity of true religion when they modeled and erected their 
little temple of worship. As God came not in tiie whirl- 
wind, but in the still, small voice, why would He not meet 
and commune with them in their tifteen-hundred-dollar 
church, although no frescoed walls reflected his brilliancy ? 

God has visited us ; notwithstanding our wickedness as a 
people ; although so many profess a Godly life, and fall far 
short of a Christian reformation, God has not forsaken us. 
For many years the prayers of our good people ascended 
up against the mighty. Revivals were sustained and en- 
joyed, and the good work went grandly forward. The 
times were becoming faster. Steam usurped dull-edged 
tools, and hovels were transformed into palatial mansions. 
Was it not natural, then, that our good people began to 
look upon their box-like house of worship with disgust, and 
to sigh for that conical connection necessary to all similar 
structures — a steeple % 

I am not aware that the towering spire looks down upon 
more sincere worshippers, or upon a more happy and Godly 
place. I do not believe the prayers are offered more fer- 
vently or more impressively because our good Samaritans 
erected a miniature Babel that points heavenward. But, I 
do believe that the aristocratic vanity of the Presbyterian 
Society was somewhat appeased when the lirst peal from 
the bell in the little tower rang o'er the wooded hills that 
surround our village, and the weather-cock first revolved to 
the four winds of Heaven. 



I-ACTS AX1> FAiN'CIKS. 1 91^ 

In 18.^1 the cliurc'li was dHdicatt^d hy the Rev. Ezra Kiii^ 
and Winthro}) Bayles ; and Wiiitliio]) Bayles tlieii ])re- 
sided over the church, and iinoll.'d his name amon*; 

TIIK CLEKGYMKN OF TIIIO CIIIIK II 

that have officiated since its erection. Aft<M- Mi. Hayh*s" 
retirement came Francis Drake. Mr. f)rake was an ener- 
getic, whole-souled. workin<^ Christian, and uiiinuiiiinr- 
ingl}' sacrificed liis healtli and lia]>piness in ta\(>i- of ecclesi- 
astical })roii,i-ess. 

Cruel was the abuse he suffered from t lie men tlial llien 
were a terror to the whole (^hiistian community. Jjong 
nights lie slee})lessly j)assed in tear and an.viety, knowing 
not wjjen the wild whoops of enemies would echo from the 
gloom. Mis nights wer»^ ])assed in dread, and his days 
were never happ}'' after his foes l)egan their persecutions. 
In his home tln^y abused him, and upon the street the}' 
never ceased to annoy. His hnnv became fun-owed with 
trouble, and his Jokes weie never as pointed after that or 
deal of fear. 

What had he d(jne that he deserved the abuse '. Wiiat 
was the magnitud«' of his crime that his actions had stiried 
the ire of those that pursued him '. 

The blow to liis nervous system was severe, and he never 
recovered. In the AVest he went to preacli, and in the 
West he died. In the service of his Master lie was stiicken 
down, and in the cemetery at Soiithold, L. I., he calml} 
sleeps. No more will he tremble with fear, and no more will 
the taunts of foes break his slumbers. While the perse 
cutors are still unsummoned, the flowers bloom o'er the 
grave of the martyred Drake — a true disciple while on earth, 
and a bright star in heaven. 

CHARLES STL RUES. 

Charles Sturges was next called to exj)ound the biblical 
consequences of sin, and to hll tiie place vacated by the la- 
mented Drake. 

13 



194 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

Different in habits, different in taste, and heterogeneous 
in preaching, was the sh)w, unenthusiastic Sturges from the 
restless, ambitious and eloquent Drake. 

Mr. Sturges preached mechanically ; Mr. Drake preached 
inspiringly. Both were Christian men, and both labored to 
achieve tlie one grand object — the diffusing of true religion. 
One was impulsive, and sometimes indiscreet, and the other 
calculating and slow. One was allowed to groan in the 
toils of persecution, and the other to pray -out his religious 
engagement ui)on a tranquil bosom, 

Mr. Sturges came among us with a glowing record of 
well-doing as a missionary in the lands of religious dark- 
ness. He had entered the homes of bigoted idolatry, and 
in their primitive veneration of hewn gods, had touched 
and turned the poor heathen's heai-t. God nourished the 
seed he sowed, and Doc. Sturgis was welcomed to the can- 
nibal's home as an angel st^nt by the only true Great Spirit 
to soothe their spiritual woes, and force the scales from 
their eyes. With this bright recommendation as a minis- 
tering angel, he came to "our little church in the wild 
wood." 

He remained until the mother church began an aggres- 
sive movement, and until the holy bonds that had long 
held the two together, were severed by mutual consent, 
when he sought pastures green and waters still up in the 
mountains of the Empire State ; and that old revivalist and 
veteran soldier of the cross, 

CLARK LOCKWOOD, 

brought us the "Balm from Gilead." 

Mr. Lockwood is still as anxious, still as faithful, and 
more engaged in the field he has chosen, than ever before 
marked his success. 

God also suffered this good man to pass through the fur- 
nace of slander, and, like his predecessoi', Drake, to be the 
victim of a jealous intrigue. 



FACTS AND FANTIKS. 196 

He is known all ovii- tin- Island as a fif.-t Iiiiikin<r. inde- 
pendent Christian, and fai- liaxe liis trinin])lis extended, 
and many a weary iieart lias lie made «;lad. 

So earnest and devout. s«> kind and carernl in all his ex- 
amples, he is. and ever will he i-espectt'd, honored, and 
cherished while lie i-emains the jiastor of the Yaphank 
Pre.sb3'terian Chnndi. 

With these brief remarks reuardinu I he Presbyterian 
Church and the j)astors who have otHciated since its e)-ec- 
tion, I hope my friends will be <'ontent. 

ST. ANDKKWS cm KCIl. 

rill': iasiini'"> \in>i;i>> \ (•()NI'i:\si k* i>.\v. 

This beautiful little edihce is situated in the eastern })art 
of the village, adjoining Mr. James H. Weeks' property. 
Through tile instiiimentality of tliis estimable gentleman 
and hiswife - who, foi- inaiiy yeais jneviiuisl y. wei-e the only 
witnesses of the church in the whole of the chui'cli district 
lying around Ya])hank — the building itself was erected. 
The death of a beloved granddaughter in the year 1850 was 
the first cause of suggesting to this aged (!ouple tile idea of 
establishing a church liere— which is now proving to be the 
light of the village, and a source of great ])leasui'e tr) its first 
members. 

The interment of their granddaughter on Nov. 8(»th, St. 
Andrew's Day, of the before-mentioned year, gave lise to 
its name, "St. Andrew's Chui-ch.'' The church was o))ened 
for divine service, on the thiid Saturday after Trinity, in 
1854, the Rev. C. H. Gardiner having been a])])ointed b}' 
the Rt. Rev. Horatio Potter, 1). T).. LL. 1)., I). C. L., oxon, 
as missionary in charge. In 1801 the missionary sti])end 
was transferred to St. John's Church, Isli]). and St. Paul's, 
Patchogue, and therefore St. Andrew's was left without a 
settled clergyman for ten yeais. Occasionally services were 
held by visiting clergymen, and by Mr. W. .1. AVeeks, who 
was appointed lay reader by Bishop Potter. 



196 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

Thus the church struggled along for twenty years ; yet, 
for all, the courage of its two firm friends never for a mo- 
ment failed. But a brighter day was dawning. The debt 
of $500, which for the past twenty years was the cause of its 
not being consecrated, was liquidated in the year 1872 by 
Charles Jeffery Smith, of Mastic, in memory of his wife. In 
the same year, Mr. and Mrs. Weeks having united in the 
gift of the church and lot of ground surrounding it, to the 
Diocese of Long Island, they executed a deed to that effect 
to the Rt. Rev, A. N. Littlejohn, D.I)., wlio was conse- 
crated Bishop of the Island on its separation from the Dio- 
cese of New York, in the year 1869, 

July 14th, 1873, this church was consecrated by the Rt. 
Rev. the Bishop of the Diocese, assisted by five of his 
clergy, viz. : Revs. Cook, Hewlett, Prescott, Buckmaster 
and Rierson. The Rev. Pierson delivered the sermon, 
after which the Rt. Rev., the Bishop, delivered an address, 
of which the following is a correct extract : 

" We are assembled here to-day to do what may appear 
to some a very needless thing. It is now nearly twenty 
years since this edifice was built. During all that time 
it has been used for sacred purposes. Within its walls 
have been performed, with more or less frequency, the 
offices of our holy religion. Here, the message of salva- 
tion has been proclaimed. Here, little children have, by 
baptism, been grafted into the Body of Christ, and have 
been taught the way of God's commandments. Here, the 
steps of youth have been directed into the way of life. Here, 
manliood and womanhood have formed a heavenly balm to 
soothe the cares and mitigate the sorrows of this present 
world. Here, old age, bowed down with infirmities and op- 
pressed with the shadows of life's evening, has been taught 
to lean on the christian's hope, which is as an anchor, sure 
and steadfast within the vale. Here, too, the last rites have 
been performed over the dead. And thus, by baptism and 
eucharist, by preaching and worship, and all kindred means 
of grace, this place has come to be regarded as the liouse 



FACTS AND FANDIKS, 107 

of God, ami t<^ndpr meraorios and lioly attadimcnts liavf^ 
grown up around it. Wluit more, then, can \v<' liojx' to do 
for this buihling by the services of this day ? This office of 
formal consecration will not altei- a lin«^ or a iIimIxm- in its 
structure. It will add nothing, take away nothing, visible 
to the eye. And yet, as cliristians and. cliurchmen, we be- 
lieve tliat itAvill cjiange the s])iritual cliai'acter of this liouse, 
and till it with an atmosi)here of religious feeling to which 
it was a stranger before. In our thoughts and associations 
it will make it more sacred than before. To the eye of faith, 
the divine presence and blessing will be vouchsafed as they 
were not in time past. Heretofore this building has been 
man's building — subjected to incumbrance and alienation. 
Henceforth by solemn deed and covenant, it will be God's 
property, and set apart as tlie special tabernacle of His 
glory. We are here — we, the official representatives of the 
chnrch, nay, of God Himself— the high and lofty One that 
iiihabiteth eternity — to publicly and formally accept the 
gift, and to put upon it the seal of divine ownership." 

" And then how shall I suitably speak of tlie givers— 
those aged servants of Christ who have so long and 
patiently Avaited for this day ? Their oftering is bathed in 
holy joy ^n^ gratulation it gives up to God, laden with 
the prayers, the toils and anxieties of many years. They 
desire me to qualify their agency, their libprality, so far as 
may be required, by the grateful acknowledgment of the 
gift of S.^00 from Mr. C. J. Smith, of Mastic, in memoiy 
of his deceased wife, who, while living, was a warm friend 
of this church. 

" This gift has canceled the only debt remaining upon it, 
and prepared the way for this service of consecration. 
Those venerable and venerated servants of God are near the 
close of their earthly pilgrimage. Their day is far spent, 
and the night of death is at hand, silvered ov(M- though it 
be with the sweet and restful light of eternity. What they 
have (lone to day may be among the last things that will 



198 FACTS AND FANCIER. 

round out and finish their record here on earth. The act 
itself is one that will speak when they shall be no more 
seen. Its influence will be felt by their posterities. Their 
reward is only in part seen now. On the bright shoies of 
the world unseen they shall reap the most of it. There it 
may be permitted them to greet many a soul that, in these 
courts, will have been turned from darkness unto light, and 
from the power of Satan unto God. Let ns, Bishop and 
Clergy and people, so far as may, enter into their feel 
ing — a feeling which rises into the dignity and pathos of 
that holy fervor which filled the breast of aged Simeon, 
when he called upon Gfod to let him depart in peace, now 
that he had seen the glory of salvation. God grant that, 
full of blessings as this sanctuary may be to others, it may 
be to them, when God shall call them away, the bright and 
hallowed gateway through which they shall pass from the 
storms of this troublesome world, to the rest that remain- 
eth for the people of God." 

At the close of this beautiful nnd impressive address, the 
Holy Eucharist was celebrated. 

A CONTRAST TO-DAY. 

Denominations, sects and cliques may contradict the 
oi'iginality of opposite organizations, may speak dispar- 
agingly of others who differ in opinion and sentiment, but 
the sensible world only requires the practical result. 

It is not the church, 'tis not religious belief, but tlie good 
result that absolutely proves the real. The world cares not 
whether a man be a Catholic or a Pjotestant, if he be a 
f/oo(T man. Yaphank, or most of it, is like the world. 

The pretty little Episcopal church, with its talented 
young rector, who came fresh from the critical walls of a 
Theologicnl College, are growing higluM- and higher in the 
popular good-will of our people. 

I will stand responsible for the declaration, that the 
Spurgeon of Biookhnven Town is Rev. Ingram N. W. Ir- 



FACTS AND FANCIES. 199 

vine, tlie most promising- young divine, of any denomina- 
tion, in Suffolk County. 

My sk<'tch would be incomplete if I were not to mention 
the zealous labors of Mrs. Josephine G. Collyer and her 
gifti'd family. No desire for public applause prompts her 
to shower lier gifts upon the shrine of her lioly religion ; 
and her sweet, lady-like pleasantry is tlie natural and un- 
aided tiow from a tender and generous heart. With a grace 
of heaven's forming, she takes the poor and uncultured 
kindly by the hand, folds down i\ui wrinkled home-spun, 
directs the doubting heart to the portals of life, tells the 
tale of Jesus and the bleeding side, and all is done with an 
unassuming, unpretentious grace, and a smile that she 
mxd wear, b«^cause she cannot frown. 

'Tis the spirit of other days that is raising St. Andrew's 
Church ; and oh, that it were possible to engrave the same 
spirit upon the altiirs of other sanctuaries, and upon the 
hearts of more followers of the "meek and lowly One." 
Let the good work go on I God surely assists those who 
help themselves, and St. Andnnv's pastor, and St. Andrew's 
sustainers, will soon see the bright light of their ever-burn- 
ing lamp casting its heavenly rays into the places darkened 
by pi-ejudice and sickly dislike. 




KEV. INGRAM N. W. IRVINE. 



IX. 
REV. INGRAM N. W. IRVINE. 

HIS KAKI.Y sriU'CiGLKS .VNI) COLLKOIATE .VOIIIKVEMKNTSl — 

PKHSDXAL. 

TIIS KAULY STKlT(i(iLKS ANI> A< IIIKVKMKXTR. 

The Rev. Ingram N, W. Irvine, the prestMit officiating 
clergyman of St. Andrew's Cliurcli, is not an American by 
birth. He was l)orn in tlie town of Kenmare. Ivcny Co., 
Irehmd, July 8th, ISoO. 

His father, Nathaniel Irvine, a gentleman of vast estate, 
was a member of the Anglican churcli, and his mother a 
member of the Roman. 

Though differing in points of doctrine, they did not ne- 
glect the spiritual training of their son, who was baptized 
and carefull}' reared in the Anglican cliurch. 

His father becoming entangled in debt, by going security 
for certain extravagant friends, his whole property at length 
fell into the Court of Chancery. This change in fortune de- 
termined the elder brother and sister to come to America. 
Their mother was unwilling that her children should leave 
home alone at such an early age, and decided to accom])any 
them, and, after a few years, return to liejand. 

She intended leaving her youngest son, Ingram, in Dublin, 
with his father, that he might i-ead law with his uncle, Rob- 
ert Harvey Irvine, a solicitor of high repute. I^ut Ingram 
was unwilling to adopt this profession as his calling in life, 
and with the firm intention, if possible, to study for the 
ministiy, he came with them to Ameiica. arriving hi New 
York, May 18th, 18(50. 



204 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

He pursued a course of navigation in the N. Y. Nautical 
School, at the end of which he became a student in St. 
Stephen's College, Annandale, N. Y. Thence he entered a 
Union Seminary, in whicli was taught, as he terms it, "a 
conglomeration of Catholic truth and Calvinistic error." 

Although having passed through the junior class of this 
institution, he became dissatisfied with his course, and in 
the following October, 1871, he entered the General Tlieolo- 
gical Seminary, with the famous class whose gentlemanly 
conduct and mental superiority will not soon be forgotten 
by their Alma Mater. 

During the first two years of liis course in the General 
Theological Seminary, he assisted the Rev. James Millet, 
D.D., rector of the church of the Holy Martyrs, N. Y. 

In his senior year he connected himself with the Associate 
Mission of Long Island. He was transferred, by his own 
request, from the diocese of New York, to Long Island, 
May 27th, and was ordained on Trinity Sunday, by the 
Rt. Rev. A. N. Littlejohn, D.D., and immediately took 
charge of St. Andrew's Church, Yaphank, and St. James', 
Brookhaven. 

PERSONAL, 

Mr. Irvine is a pleasant gentleman, with a college finish 
and student air about him. He has a true Catholic spirit, 
and is free from the taint of assumed vainness and ostenta- 
tion. His tact is displayed in his management of the 
churches over which he is pastor. 

Those who see Mr. Irvine in public, know little of the 
spirit slumbering in the man. Not a particle of haughti- 
ness or codfish-elation is in his composition. He gracefully 
recognizes the rich in silk and satin, and as eagerly and 
pleasantly receives the humble in station and life. He 
answers the complicated questions directed at his faith by 
the learned, and cheers the bare-foot school -boy with kind 
greetings, and does it all with an unchanged and natural 
air. 



V A n .s AM* I- \ \ ( ■ I ES . 2( ).■) 

Tlis rc.-ifling is extonsive. H«* l)Hlit'V('s (Miristianit\' (-n- 
(Mirlt's social, moral, and ])olitical lif<'. IIh holds uj) to 
scorn sickly doctrin«'S whi(!li cannot Ix' ]>rov«*n scrij)tujally 
and historically- Mr. Irvine i)rcach('s for nil. The cliMks 
behind the counter, and the professional niaii. can learn 
soinethinL!: from his sermons. In dress and habits he is 
sim])le and })lain. 

The old-school merchants are the only hue schools, but 
the new school ministeis are decidedly the most ])Oi)nlar. 
Mr. Irvine is of the new school. He com})re]iends the vital 
importance of thorouiihly im))ressing the truths of his ser- 
mons u])on the minds of his hearers, and he })ieach(^s with 
his toiiuue. his ht^art. and his actions. His lo^dc is often 
irresistible, his elo([uence freciuently fascinatin<::, and his 
arguments always substantial. 

When he came to Yaphank, some gazed with Jealous eyes 
u])on the younu" student. He laliored on. He })reached 
the solid fact, and preached it right, (iradually the hearts 
of the people went out towards the energetic young man. 
who bade farewell to his home and father in the Emerald 
Isle to comidete his study and })reach the religion of the 
true God, in America. Gradually their hearts o})ened, and 
he ])oured in the sweet truths of tlie Great Rook. He paved 
a tiowery way into their good-will, and now, to-day. Ingram 
N. W. Irvine is esteemed as a good, gifted, and promising 
young divine. 



X. 

THE SUFFOLK COUNTY ALMS-HOUSE. 

A MODEL HOiME FOR THE I'ooU — THE FARM — THE HOUSE — 
THE MAIN BUILDING — DIVISION OF SFX'ES— THE AT- 
TENDING PHYSICIAN— WILLIAM J. WEEKS — EDWAHD L. 
GKKARD — DOCT, HOLDEN. 

When the project of centering the ])auperistn of our 
county in one institution was first presented, tlie tliinkirig 
ones were doubtful about tlie economy and })racticability of 
the proposed system, and questioned whetiier tlie abolish- 
ment of the Town-houses would not establish a disgraceful 
and illy-managed hot-bed of county coriuption, poverty 
and expense. 

What fears existed, soon vanished, and the people voted 
for, and soon began the erection of, 

A MODEL llo.MK I'oK TIIKIi; I'ooi:. 

The Suffolk County Aims-House, at Yai)hank, is ])ub]icl3^ 
and universally regarded "as probably the best for the 
purpose for which it is intended, of any in New York 
State." 

Very few people on the Island, comjijn'atively s]ieaking, 
are aware that such a systematical, economical, and well- 
regulated institution exists so near them. 

Everywhere about the place there hovers an air of stein, 
yet pleasing disci ]iline and exactness ; and the rules of 
the house are rigid, but reasonable. 



208 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

THE FARM. 

The farm was purchased in 1870, of AVilliani Pliillips, 
Esq., a Yaphaiik man, for twelve thousand seven hundred 
dollars, for which amount the county pays him interest. 

It contains about eighty acres of liighly-cultivated land, 
and ninety of growing wood-land. Nearly one-half is 
cultivated, and the paupers are constantly eniplo_v<*d l)reak- 
ing up new land. The farm is convenient, and easily tilled. 
It lies in a square, level body, and is very fertile. The re- 
cent owner made a snug fortune on the same farm, before 
it was cultivated to its present highly-productive state, and 
our county should roll up another, in its present condition. 

A certain class here are never weary in extolling the 
managers of this self-supporting affair, and praising the 
well-oiled system in the House and on the Farm. No!ie 
can deny that all concerned deserve medals for the remark- 
able order they instituted over the chaos ; but the county 
pays for this system, and supplies implements, manures, 
and every necessary article for properly conducting one of 
the finest estates in the county. The affair should he " self- 
supporting." Those of the paupers that are able, are re- 
quired to work eight hours each day— Sundays excepted— 
and when the weather is unpleasant, they do the in-door 
work of the House and Farm. Not only is basket-making, 
coopering, and other trades represented, but finely-finished 
wagons have been manufactured on the premises. 

If the one hundred and seventy acres of land, properly 
managed, cannot support an average of one hundred and 
twenty-five paupers, who can be clothed and fed for 
'•about ninety-five cents a week, for each one," this model 
home for unfortunates had better be evacuated. The many 
articles manufactured on the premises, are sold, of course, 
to the interest of the county, and must assist in defraying 
minor expenses. 

To the original cost of the establishment was appended 
over five thousand dollars in repairing the building, and 



FACTS AND FANCIES. 'i09 

making improvements about the grounds. Much of the 
land lias been recently fenced, the barns have been reno- 
vated, and surprising improvements made everywhere. 

THE IIOl'SE. 

The engraving of the house is a correct one. The 
grounds are tastily arranged, and all the surroundings 
present a neat and cluvring appearance. So man}* elabor- 
ate descriptions of the building are before the public, that 
any attempt to give further details might be termed decided 
plagiarism. Of the many representations, Richaid iM. 
Bayles's is considered the most reliable and authentic. 

The entire building contains about fifty rooms. The first 
floor contains eighteen large rooms, the second twenty- 
seven, and the third but four. The superintendents', over- 
seers', and assistants' private apartments, are on the first 
and second floors of the main building ; and the engineer's 
and medical room are included in the number. 

THE MAIN BUILDING 

is three-stories high, the wings two-stories, and the entire 
southern front is one hundred and ninety feet. A brick 
basement extends under the whole building. Trenches two 
feet deep, tilled with stone and mortar, forni the foundation. 
Three large water tanks in the ganets, with a capacity of 
three thousand gallons each, supply the house with the in- 
dispensable fluid, which is replenished from the roof, or 
pumped from a well in the basement. A hali-way runs 
east and west through the centre of the building, which 
connects with every room on tlie main floor by d(»ors. A 
similar hall on the story above communicates with the 
rooms on the second floor. The north and south passage, 
which opens north from the long hall in the centre building, 
is accessible by stairs from the rear. This passage-way 
connects with the rooms where are confined the milder class 

14 



210 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

of lunatic paupers. Partitions separate the inmates of 
either end of the house. The propriety of 

DIVIDING THE SEXES, 

is here forcibly illustrated. The females occupy the east- 
ern portion of the house, and the males the western. Sepa- 
rate stairways lead to their respective precincts, and exit 
doors to the separate yards in the rear. The kitchen and 
laundry are in the rear of the main building, and the din- 
ing-rooms in the rear of the wings. 

The workshop, storage-rooms, drying-room, coal and en- 
gine rooms are in the basement, which also contains cells 
for the raving lunatics. 

A powerful engine in tlie basement supplies the boilers, 
which have pipes attached that pass through every room. 

The heating apparatus is excellent — the entire cost of 
which was eleven thousand dollars. 

Hose, which can quickly be connected with the water- 
tanks in the garrets, are carefully coiled in the halls, ready 
for instant use in case of fire. 

THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN 

has a medical room on the second floor, with all the neces- 
sary drugs and medicines. The physician of the House at 
the present time is Doct. James I. Baker ; and his success 
entitles him to much credit. 

The laws of the Institution are stern but reasonable, and 
are enforced to the letter. The paupers are obliged to retiie 
at dusk, and to rise as soon as the first gray light of dawn 
peeps through the windows. The inmates are managed by 
signals ; in fact, everything goes by '' cracks and snaps." 

A fioweiy penned reporter of a city paper says : ' 'After 
rising, the pauper makes his bed, sweeps his room, and pre- 
pares for the morning meal. The first bell rings out an inti- 
mation to be in readiness for breakfast, and at the sound of 
the second bell, the door of the dining-room is thrown open 



FAf'TS AXD FAXriES. 211 

and lip is rpquestpfl to bp sfatpfl. At tltp 'sn.'j]>' of thp 
third bpll. he beojins eating. The sane and insane pat sep- 
arately, and so admirable is thp disciplinn. that not even a 
binatic pnuper touches liis food until Ih' li^ars the sip;nal 
from tlie keeper.'' 

"On tlip first thtoi- in flir witigoftlip building;, (•ii])plpsarH 
kept in spvpivil rooms, Vuit jiHowpd tlip fVen use of the halls 
and ground to hobble in and out at |)]easure. A bath-room 
on the same floor contributes to the (cleanliness and comfort 
of the inmates." 

When admitted into the House, the pauper undergoes a 
thorough examination. In the examining department he 
is thoroughly questioned, stripped of all clothing, shaved, 
washed, and clotli»d in wai-m, cl^an clothing. He is then 
examined as to his physical abilities. If ailing, he is sent 
to the hospital department ; if able to labor, he is required 
to work eight hours a day, at the labor he is best adapted to. 

The "Charities' Aid Society" comprises some of the 
most wealthy and benevolent people in our County, and 
has contributed much toward a]>])easing the minor wanfs 
of the poor unfortunates. Many heart-sick paupers have. 
been cheered and made happ}- by the Heavenly efforts of 
this Heaven-inspired Society ; and should misfortune ever 
come to any of its noble sustaineis. as come it may to all, 
may kind faces beam upon them, and their hearts laugh for 
the good wr)rks that are not forgotten. 

The following named gentlemen are ])roininenfly con 
nected with the Connty House : 
Architeot: — Charles HALLpyr. Riverhead. 
Builders : — Randall Bros.. Greenpoint. 
Mason : — Israel Rekd, " 

( Wm. R. Post. Southampton. 
Building Com. : — -, Lymax B. Smith, Smithtown, B. 
( F. H. OvERTOx, Southold. 
( Stephkx R. Williams. Amityville. 

Su]H'rint^-ll(l<•nts : T. CoRwix. Riverhead. 

/ E. Hampton. Mulford. Orient. 
Overseer : — .Tonx Louden, Amityville. 



212 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

From the observatory to the basement the house is a 
model affair, and Old Suffolk may well feel proud of the 
institution that is considered the best of its class in N. Y. 
State. 

WILLIAM J. WEEKS. 

No man that has ever been connected with the County 
House has been as basely misrepresented as Mr. Weeks. A 
large portion of the '' admirable discipline," " excellent reg- 
ulations," ''unrivaled system," &c., were first instituted by 
him. Men envious of him, abused his best works. He 
labored for the public good, and I can prove it. Schemers 
heaped faggots of venom upon the fires of jealousy, and 
because they could not govern him, endeavored to haul him 
and his name over the coals. The beautiful pictures drawn 
by roving reporters and local dabblers sound very nice to 

indifferent outsiders, but we here in pent-up Y know 

a little more — and but a little, for it requires a wise one to 
know the whole. 

. Mr. Weeks is an honorable man, and those who know 
him best honor him most. 

EDWARD L. GERARD. 

Mr. Gerard's connection with the House was a mutually 
pleasant one. No one could give more entire satisfaction 
than he. He is a thorough business man, and was 
thoroughly competent to transact every portion that de- 
volved upon him. His recent defeat was much regretted 
by those acquainted with his excellent management, and 
was regarded as one of the cruel reverses of political life. 

If there wer^ deception in tranascting the County affairs, 
Mr. Gerard was no accessory. If there were a '"ring" 
during his term of office, he was a missing link. 

Scheming, oily-tongued outsiders, with their own interest 
in view, may have endeavored to culminate their plans 
through him, but it iieGtr will be credited that Mr. Gerard 
ever, knowingly, assisted in forwarding their schemes. 



FACTS AND FANCIES. 213 

OK. E. TI S. Hr)LT>RN. 

This genial and gifted gentleman entered the House as a 
"ministering angel," .Tan. 1st, 1873. Whethci- h*- failed to 
kill off the paupers as fast as a miserly element wished, is 
unknown ; but it is enough to know that he had hardly got 
in his position before his foes clamored to get him out. 

No reasonable ol/iectioii could he produced against liiiii, 
unless it was the death of only one pauper during his whole 
term of office. He nev«^r said that "})au])ers were better 
dead than alive." and his acts portrayed his skill, and his 
tender heart. 

In the perrf)iniance of his duty he might have felt con- 
tempt for the dail}' exposure to the presunjplion of prepos- 
terous pragmatism, but when interference with the duties of 
his office pievented him from protecting the county from 
the possibility of imposition, his sense of honesty was in- 
compatible with a further continuance under such restric- 
tions. At the expii-ation (jf the first quarter, the Superin 
tendents proposing to adopt such measures as would, in Dr. 
Holden's opiAion, be the most effective means of favoring 
imposition, he tendered his resignation. 



FAREWELL. 



MY LAST R K V T K ^^' 



THE PKOPT.E. 



And now, kind friends, attention lend, 

The pages back retrace, 
While I review this book for you — 

The people and the place. 
Ere I " unbend," please condescend 

To let your ears " luff;" 
With partial eyes skip oVr the lies, 

And all that sort of stuff. 

T first, you know, to please you, show 

My own sweet featured (?) face ; 
Which, friends have said, proves rae ill-bred, 

And Avill my work disgrace. 
Next, John P. Mills the office fills 

Of Governor, I ween; 
Sharp, shrewd and smart, he built a mart 

Where rich and poor convene. 

Thus, next in line, I do opine, 

Is Robert H. Gerard — 
A noble man — earth never can 

Grant him his just reward. 
The next theme speaks of William Weeks — 

A true and trusted man, 
Who ev'ry day proves what I say ; 

Deny it if you can ! 



FA(.'TS ANI> KANCIKS. 215 



Up in Old Yale his hearty hail. 
Once cheer'd the college boys, 

And classic pride — his Honor'tj guide- 
Now wells his quiet joys. 

A contrast here, there will appear, 
By D. I). Sweezy made; 

A man of wealth, but nut ol' health, 
Who knows that both must fade I 



Words 1 conduce to introduce 

Vou Edward Wickham Mills; 
High in his place, with natural gracf, 

That charms, and after, tlirills. 
A tirm recluse 1 introduce — 

'Tis Alfred Ackerly ; 
A Christian man, nor cliques nor clan 

Doubt his true purity. 



There is a man who life began 

With high and lofty aim ; 
For ev'ry heart loves ev'ry part 

Of Dea. Norton's name. 
And by his side, with pompous pride, 

John Hammond writes his name ; 
The man of sole, who knows the whole, 

What'e'er may be the thenie. 



I'll next present, witb your consent, 

S. Lester Iloman, sir ; 
Whose enterprise all criticize, 

Whose honor we prefer ! 
Without a blur, you must concur, 

Stands S. I>. Overton, 
A Christian gent who is content 

With what his works liave won. 



216 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

E. L. Gerard — we must award 

The honor he deserves — 
To duty's call — he's all-in-all — 

From right he never swerves. 
A mantle black lies in the track 

Of Samuel Smith's last days — 
Sadness, indeed, you must concede, 

His blameless act conveys. 



And now again the simple name 

Of Homan, I declare ! 
'Tis Edward H., although not great, 

Is honest, fair and square. 
Who has success must now confess 

That doctors have it too, 
For Dr. B., as you can see, 

Has found it all way through. 



I now again the funny name 

Of Homan iterate ; 
'Tis Mordecai, bold, In-ave and free. 

Who's been a traveler great. 
Next I will tell and fondly dwell 

Upon the name I scan. 
For dear to me, and e'er will be. 

This tine old o-entleman. 



When others frown, would ))ull me down, 

My old friend stands the same; 
Tf there's a thing sweet memories bring, 

'Tis Doctor Holden's name. 
Xat. Tuthill now will tell you how 

He made the *' stamps" when young; 
'Twill please you, too, to listen to 

His smooth and oilv tongue. 



F A CTS AND K A SCI KS. 2 1 

Next in the void oonns Mr. Floyd, 
A man of noble rank, 

VVho dwells alone in the (juiet homo 
He chose in old Vaphank. 

George Thompson now will make his V)ow, 
While ladies hold their hearts; 

Though young in years he has few peers- 
Is honorable, is smart. 



A moment heed, 'tis Alfred Reid, 

On whom the Fates did frown; 
Who'd friends enough while he was up, 

But prov'd them foes when down ! 
Where is the man more popular than 

James Huggins Weeks, Esqr. ? 
Whose lofty name none can defame, 

And time will not impair ; 



An honest friend, who will defend 
The right against the wrong, 

VVho loves to see all unity — 
To make the weak ones strong. 

God bless the man ! he leads the van 
Of noble men in Y , 

He's wronged no heart of the smallest part- 
No bosom of a sigh I 



The low in state, the high and great, 

Love Sidney Smith, I know; 
For that proud name shines out the same 

As in the long ago. 
His generous deeds the poor man feeds 

With "crumbs of comfort" oft. 
He makes the sad and sick heart glad. 

The couch of rais'ry soft ! 



u 



218 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

And rich in name — in voice the same, 

Is Sidney Ritch, Esqr. ; 
Whose jolly jokes mirth still provokes 

The people all declare. 
Now at the last, though high as class'd. 

Stands Ingram H. Irvine, 
A classic youth, who preaches truth — 

An eloquent divine. 



THE PLACE. 



'Tis picturesque — this quiet home 

Of poverty and pride, 
Where Mammon rears a gilded dome. 

And paupers do reside. 
'Tis soft and pure — the inland air 

That fans the dales and hills 
Of auld Yaphank ; and tell me where 

Man has less torturing ills ? 



Here crescent youth grows hale and strong, 

And grey-haired age lives on 
To tell old tales in red, ripe song, 

And tell the tales anon. 
Here pale, wan cheeks are painted bright — 

Like roses in the bud — 
By Health's red brush, which paints aright 

The cheek, and sluggsish blood. 

The sluggish blood ! the sluggish blood ! 

God grant may drip and die, 
Until an enterprising flood 

Rolls o'er the hills of Y ! 

Rolls o'er her hills ! rolls o'er her vales ! 

Rolls o'er her people's way ! 
Until the dreaming yeoman hails 

A bright and sunny day ! 



FACTS AN'P FANf'IKS. 21ft 

Fierc breezes waft in balmy flakes 

The Kweet, sweet 8ee(ls of health, 
While singint^ streams aiul limpid lakt-s 

Koll over iinlohl wealth I 
Roll over untold wealth, my friends. 

That long, long years has lain, 
Like priceless pearls, whose glow dc^pends 

On efforts made again. 



No hero great this place can Vioast, 

No sage of high degree, 
And only dabblers, at the most, 

Write lip its history. 
No lyric poet sang her fame 

Within the darkling dell ; 
Nor sculptor great e'er carv'd the name 

Of Vapliank, to excel. 



No painter ever drew the pen 

For this far inland Home, 
And no great author wrote of men 

Who make Yaphank their home ; 
But honor's counsels guiiie with care 

The staid old villagers. 
For we've none great — if any are. 

They're " local editors." 



Then old, old home, of good and bad. 

'Tis fare-thee-well — farewell ! 
I am not sad, I am not glad. 

Still fare-thee-well — farewell ! 
Begone, dull day ! begone, dull dame 

And break, oh ! break the chain. 
That long, long years has bound the name 

Of Yaphank in disdain ! 



220 FACTS AND FANCIES. 

ADIEU ! 

Tho' you 1 bore, one moment more, 

Kind friend, before we part, 
Here is my hand, my friendship and 

Well wishes from my heart! 
Think well of me, thousjh wrong I be. 

Forever be it well ; 
And let the end part you my friend^ 

Part with :i kind Farewell. 



FINIS. 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 205 853 4 





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